Freetown Man Committed to High Court in $12,000 Fraud Case

Freetown Man Committed to High Court in $12,000 Fraud Case

A Freetown resident, Osman Japtay, has been remanded to the Male Correctional Centre following a committal hearing that moved his fraud case to the High Court.

Japtay faces a charge of fraudulent conversion, in violation of Section 20(1)(iv)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916. The charge stems from an incident on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, on Lumley Street. According to prosecutors, Japtay was entrusted with US$12,000 (equivalent to Le288,000) by Abdul Rahman Barrie, intended for delivery to Mohamed Bluba Jagitay. Authorities allege that Japtay instead converted the funds for his own use.

During the committal proceedings, Detective Police Constable (DPC) 17649 Brima Kargbo confirmed that the defense had been served with the relevant case and inquiry files. As this was a committal hearing, no plea was entered by the defendant.

Magistrate Jah ruled that there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, noting that the prosecution's case was presented in the defendant's presence, providing him the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses. 

Following the ruling, Japtay was ordered to remain in custody at the Male Correctional Centre until his scheduled appearance at the High Court.