Freetown Duo Jailed Over Elaborate Toyota Corolla Scam
A fraudulent scheme involving a non-existent Toyota Corolla has landed two men in custody. Yankuba Koroma, 27, and Michael Musa, 24, were remanded after allegedly swindling a local resident out of 118,000 Leones.
The pair appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2, facing serious charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses. The case centers on a deceptive sale of a vehicle valued at approximately 10 million Leones.
Court records reveal that the incident took place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at #9 Canton Street in Hastings. The prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired with unidentified accomplices to trick Joseph Pessima into paying a significant sum for a car that didn't exist.
Pessima was reportedly led to believe he was purchasing a Toyota Corolla, but the defendants allegedly knew the offer was a complete fabrication intended to defraud him of his 118,000 Leones.
During the committal proceedings, no formal plea was entered. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, leading the prosecution, confirmed that the inquiry file had been served to the defense.
The court heard initial testimony from Osman Moigua, the first prosecution witness. Moigua, who identified both the defendants and the complainant as business associates, began recounting the events of that day before the prosecution requested an adjournment.
Magistrate Fornah took a firm stance due to the gravity of the allegations, denying bail for both men. The defendants will remain in custody until the next hearing, scheduled for August 14, 2026.
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