Fraud and Forgery Charges Against Two Men in Freetown Court

Ibrahim Mustapha Jabbie, 24, and Abdul Barrie, 33, were arraigned before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 4 in Freetown, facing multiple charges of financial fraud and forgery. 

The accused are charged with five counts, encompassing conspiracy to defraud, possession of forged documents, possession of forgery implements, and obtaining money by false pretences. 

Allegedly, between January 1 and February 28, 2025, in Freetown, the accused conspired to defraud Amidu Barrie of 1,226,000 Leones through a fraudulent money-doubling scheme. Furthermore, on May 2, 2025, at Madina off Wilkinson Road, they were found in possession of papers intended to resemble banknotes, specifically U.S. dollars, without proper authorisation. 

Additionally, the accused are charged with possessing counterfeiting tools such as chemicals, syringes, knives, and candles. They also allegedly obtained 500,000 Leones from Amidu Jalloh on January 22, 2025, and $30,000 U.S. dollars (equivalent to 726,000 Leones) on February 7, 2025, by falsely claiming they could double the funds. Neither defendant entered a plea during the hearing. 

Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan M. S. Bull presented the prosecution’s case, which included testimony from the complainant, Amidu Jalloh. Jalloh testified that the second accused proposed a business deal involving purchasing goods in Guinea, later revealing an intent to counterfeit money. 

After negotiations, Jalloh provided $30,000 U.S. dollars, which the accused collected and subsequently disappeared, leading to a police report. Investigations resulted in the arrest of the accused, and counterfeit currency samples were discovered at Wilkinson Road. 

The first accused was located where the exhibits were stored and identified by the second accused. Both provided statements to the police. The unrepresented accused remain in custody. 

Due to the severity of the charges, Magistrate Samura denied bail and adjourned the case to June 4, 2025, for further proceedings.