Fisherman Remanded Over Alleged Fraudulent Conversion of Fishing Equipment

A fisherman, Alusine Kamara, has been remanded in custody after making an appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No.2 on a charge of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

Kamara is accused of unlawfully converting property entrusted to him by Sahr Foday Morquee in 2021. According to the prosecution, the accused fraudulently took possession of a fifteen-horsepower outboard motor valued at fifty-six thousand Leones (Le 56,000) and a fishing net valued at thirty-five thousand Leones (Le 35,000), bringing the total value of the items to ninety-one thousand Leones (Le 91,000).

The items were reportedly handed over to Kamara for safekeeping by Sahr Foday Morquee, a civil engineer with the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), at his residence in Goderich, Freetown.

When the charge was read and explained in court, Kamara pleaded not guilty.

Testifying as Prosecution Witness One, Sahr Foday Morquee told the court that he came to know the accused through his late wife, Mariama Musa. He explained that in 2021, he acquired a boat along with the outboard motor and fishing net at a total cost of Le 91,000, with the intention of engaging in a fishing business.

According to the witness, Mariama Musa recommended Kamara to operate the boat, and both parties agreed on a profit-sharing arrangement. Under the agreement, Kamara would be provided with three thousand Leones (Le 3,000) for fuel before each fishing trip, while proceeds from fish sales would be shared equally.

He further testified that the first fishing trip generated a catch valued at six thousand Leones (Le 6,000), which was shared as agreed. However, he said Kamara later reported that the outboard motor had developed a fault and requested an additional six thousand Leones (Le 6,000) for repairs.

Sahr Foday stated that after providing the requested amount, he subsequently lost contact with the accused.

The court heard that Kamara was initially arrested in 2022 but later absconded. He was re-arrested in March 2026 at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters on Pademba Road, where he made a statement to the police.

The witness was cross-examined by defence counsel, M. Bangura, Esq.

Magistrate Fornah adjourned the matter to April 1, 2026, for further hearing.