Lab Technician Remanded Over Alleged $38,900 Gold Export Scam

A 27-year-old laboratory technician, SchemeAde Idriss, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after appearing before the Pademba Road Court No. 2 on allegations of defrauding a Nigerian businessman of nearly US$39,000 under the pretext of facilitating the export of gold.

The accused made his first appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah, facing two counts of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the prosecution, between 9th and 11th February 2026, at Adonkia and Goderich in Freetown, Idriss allegedly conspired with other unknown persons with the intention to defraud.

The court was further told that on 11th February 2026 at No. 1 LC Drive, Adonkia, the accused allegedly obtained US$38,900 equivalent to Le 921,930 from the complainant, Agwu Amos Nwanja, by falsely claiming he could facilitate the export of five kilograms of gold from Sierra Leone to Dubai. Prosecutors stated that the accused made the representation knowing it to be false.

When the charges were read and explained in court, the accused did not enter a plea.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan M.S. Bull, representing the prosecution, informed the court that the complainant was absent but noted that the defense had already been served with the relevant witness statements. She also tendered an affidavit opposing bail.

Counsel for the accused, Jessie M. Jengo Esq., acknowledged receipt of the documents and applied for bail on behalf of his client. He assured the court that the accused would produce reliable sureties who would stand in his recognizance and argued that Idriss would not abscond or interfere with witnesses. The application was made pursuant to Section 76(2) and (3) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 2024.

However, Magistrate Fornah refused the bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges. He subsequently ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.

The matter was adjourned to 18th March 2026 for further proceedings.