Fraud Allegations and Bail Decision in Khalil Baba Jabbie Service Passport Case

Mr. Khalil Baba Jabbie, an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 to address charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and obtaining money under false pretenses related to the alleged illegal sale of service passport books.

The prosecution contends that on September 28, 2024, Mr. Jabbie, in conjunction with unidentified individuals, conspired to defraud Mr. Lawrence Julius Peters of ninety-seven thousand six hundred Leones (Le 97,600).

It is further alleged that Mr. Jabbie misled Mr. Peters by falsely promising to obtain two Sierra Leonean service passport books for Ms. Myra Marah and Mr. David Sam Yobondo.

Moreover, the prosecution claims that on the specified date and at the same location, Mr. Jabbie fraudulently acquired the stated sum from Mr. Peters by asserting he would deliver the promised passport books, knowing such assertions were unfounded.

Upon the reading of the charges, Mr. Jabbie did not enter a plea. Inspector Kadie M Taylor, representing the prosecution, informed the court of the presence of a witness, despite no prior consultation having occurred.

Counsel for Mr. Jabbie requested bail, asserting that his client is a resident of Sierra Leone within the court's jurisdiction and a civil servant employed in the immigration department.

Defense counsel assured the court that Mr. Jabbie would not interfere with prosecution witnesses or evade justice, and petitioned for bail under Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.

Magistrate Kekura granted bail to Mr. Khalil Baba Jabbie in the amount of two hundred thousand Leones (Le 200,000) with two sureties of the same amount. One surety must be employed by a government institution, and both sureties are required to provide valid identification confirming their Freetown address. The Deputy Assistant Registrar must approve the bail conditions.

The matter has been adjourned to May 7, 2025, for further judicial proceedings.