High-Stakes: Businessman Remanded in Overseas Travel Scam Case

High-Stakes: Businessman Remanded in Overseas Travel Scam Case

During proceedings at Pademba Road Court No. 1, Detective Police Constable Alpha Janneh presented key testimony in the case against Pius Mohamed Lumeh, a businessman facing charges related to an overseas travel scam. Subsequently, Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah ordered Lumeh's remand into custody.

DPC Janneh, attached to the Terrorism and Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), identified the accused upon his arrival at the unit on August 26, 2025. The witness detailed the investigation, commencing with Lumeh’s arrest and subsequent detention. On August 27, a statement was taken from the defendant regarding the alleged conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses.

Exhibits, including receipts, an Australian visa, and a ticket, were presented in court and confirmed by the witness as evidence pertinent to the case. Janneh further explained that on August 29, he and Sergeant Tarawali obtained a voluntary caution statement from Lumeh. The statement was read and explained to the accused in Krio, and he affirmed its contents by affixing his right thumbprint.

The investigative process continued with the submission of a request for legal advice, which was also tendered in court. On September 27, a formal charge statement was obtained from Lumeh, formally charging him with conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses. This was witnessed by Detective Sergeant Tarawali and signed by DPC Janneh.

Following the presentation of the evidence and considering the severity of the allegations, Magistrate Jah ordered Pius Mohamed Lumeh to be remanded at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned to December 3, 2025, for continuation.