Fraudulent Travel Scheme Uncovered: Almost $10,000 at stake

A Sierra Leonean businesswoman appeared in Freetown Magistrate Court on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to testify against a travel agent accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme involving the collection of substantial sums of money under false pretenses.

The case involves allegations that Benya defrauded several individuals by falsely promising to provide airline tickets to China.

The accused, Isata Favour Benya, 29, appeared before Magistrate Augustine Brima Samura at Pademba Road Court No. 8 in Freetown. She faces six charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime and obtaining money by false pretenses, in violation of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the case details, the alleged offenses occurred between January 1 and May 14, 2025, at #1 Alcock Street in the Western Area of Freetown. Benya is accused of conspiring with unknown individuals to defraud several people by falsely promising to provide airline tickets to China via Ethiopian Airlines.

Specifically, Count Two alleges that on the same date and location, Benya obtained US$1,300 (equivalent to Le 36,540) from Zainab Bangura by falsely claiming she would secure an airline ticket. Similar allegations are made in counts three through six, where the accused allegedly obtained amounts ranging from US$1,400 to US$1,585 from other victims under the pretense of providing travel tickets.

The accused did not enter a plea when the charges were read.

The prosecution was led by Detective Police Constable Joseph Lamin Dumbuya, who presented the first witness, Zainab Bangura, a businesswoman.

Bangura testified that she was introduced to Benya by her sister, Bintu, between May 1 and May 14, 2025. She recounted that following her sister’s introduction, she contacted Benya, who requested an initial payment of US$500 to process her ticket. The accused claimed she had already booked a flight for her and her friends.

Bangura further stated that she paid a total of US$4,000 for herself and six friends, under the belief that they would receive valid tickets. However, upon traveling to Lungui to board their flight, they discovered the tickets were counterfeit. Her name was not listed in the system, and airline staff confirmed the tickets were invalid. The money was not refunded, leaving the victims feeling deceived.

She reported the matter to the Eastern Police and provided a statement. During cross-examination, the defense renewed its bail application for the accused. However, Magistrate Samura denied bail, citing the seriousness of the charges, and ordered Benya to be remanded at the Female Correctional Facility in Freetown.

The case was adjourned to July 2, 2025.