Gold Fraud Trial Takes Dramatic Turn as Defense Signals “No Case” Submission

Gold Fraud Trial Takes Dramatic Turn as Defense Signals “No Case” Submission

Proceedings at Pademba Road Court No.2 took a dramatic turn as the trial of Sheka Kargbo, a driver accused of involvement in a gold-related fraud case, reached a critical stage before Magistrate John Manso Fornah.

During the latest hearing, the prosecution’s key witness, Tamba Joseph Ngauja, testified against the accused, alleging that Kargbo conspired with unidentified individuals to obtain money by false pretenses. According to the witness, the alleged fraudulent activities occurred between July 1 and October 1, 2025, in Freetown and formed part of a broader scheme to defraud the complainant.

Ngauja further told the court that on October 1, 2025, at the 5th floor of the Youyi Building in Brookfields, the accused allegedly obtained a substantial sum of money by making false promises related to gold transactions. The witness claimed that those promises were never fulfilled, resulting in significant financial losses for the complainant.

However, the defense counsel has challenged the strength of the prosecution’s case, signaling an intention to file a “no case submission.” This legal move argues that the evidence presented by the prosecution is insufficient to justify requiring the accused to enter a defense, and seeks to have the matter dismissed at this stage.

Magistrate Fornah has adjourned the case to allow the defense to formally present its submission, a development that could prove decisive. If the court upholds the defense’s argument, the charges against Kargbo may be dismissed. Conversely, a rejection of the submission would pave the way for the trial to continue, potentially leading to further evidence being presented by the prosecution.

The case continues to draw attention as it progresses through the judicial process, with its outcome likely to hinge on the court’s ruling on the pending submission.