Fraud and Larceny Suspects Denied Bail; Remanded in Freetown

Fraud and Larceny Suspects Denied Bail; Remanded in Freetown

Daniel Tommy and Emmanuel Caffie were remanded to the male correctional facility following their arraignment on charges of fraudulent conversion and larceny. Magistrate John Manso Fornah, presiding over Pademba Road Court No. 2, issued the detention order pending subsequent proceedings.

The defendants face a two-count indictment related to an incident that occurred on Monday, May 4, 2026, at New England Ville in Freetown's Western Area:

• Count One (Daniel Tommy): Fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20(I)(IV)(A) of the Larceny Act of 1916. Mr. Tommy is accused of fraudulently converting, for his personal use or benefit, property entrusted to him for safekeeping by Salamatu Janneh. The property consisted of three vehicle tires and one bathy, with a documented value of 8,600 Leones.

• Count Two (Emmanuel Caffie): Larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916. Mr. Caffie is alleged to have stolen one vehicle tire, valued at 2,200 Leones, from a vehicle (registration number AUI 579) while it was in the custody of Daniel Tommy.

Upon the reading and explanation of the charges: no plea was entered for Daniel Tommy, as the matter is a committal proceeding; Emmanuel Caffie pleaded not guilty. Prosecution, represented by Sergeant Theresa Ballay, served the defendants with copies of the witness statements. 

Defense counsel, A.B. Sesay Esq., submitted an application for bail pursuant to Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, asserting that the defendants are resident Sierra Leoneans with reliable sureties and would not interfere with witnesses.

Magistrate Fornah denied the bail application, citing the seriousness of the alleged offenses. 

The matter has been adjourned to May 15, 2026, for further deliberation.