Driver Committed to High Court for Alleged Fraudulent Conversion

Driver Committed to High Court for Alleged Fraudulent Conversion

Mohamed Lebbie, a 35-year-old driver, has been ordered to stand trial at the High Court on charges of fraudulent conversion.

The matter was heard before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No.8 in Freetown.

Lebbie is charged under Section 20 (1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act of 1916. The prosecution alleges that on August 22, 2025, at Pantap Water in Regent Village, Mountain Rural District, Freetown, he unlawfully converted a property entrusted to him for his own use. Specifically, he is accused of converting a gray and green Tecno Touch mobile phone, valued at 2,500 Leones, which was entrusted to him by Amadu Kargbo for the sole purpose of sending WhatsApp messages.

The defendant did not enter a plea as the matter was brought for a preliminary investigation.

The prosecution, led by Detective Police Constable Joseph Lamin Dumbuya (ID: 14898), tendered the witness statement of Muctarr, along with the statements of the defendant and the complainant. All exhibits were formally entered into court records in accordance with the new Criminal Procedure Act of 2024.

Following a review of the evidence, the prosecution formally closed its case.

Magistrate Samura, having considered the submissions, ruled that sufficient evidence existed to warrant the case being committed to the High Court. Consequently, Lebbie was committed to stand trial at the High Court without bail.

The case has been scheduled for mention at the High Court, where further proceedings will determine the outcome of the allegations.