Nigerian National Remanded in Custody in Le21 Million Fraud Case

Nigerian National Remanded in Custody in Le21 Million Fraud Case

A Nigerian national has been remanded in custody following his appearance in a Freetown court on charges related to a Le21 million fraud case.

The defendant, Ibrahim Bello, 21, appeared before Magistrate Masera Siaminatu Jalloh at Pademba Road Court No. 8 on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Bello faces two counts of obtaining money by false pretence, contravening Section 161(1) of the Non-Citizens Registration (Immigration and Expulsion) Act of 1965.

The prosecution alleges that on January 17, 2026, between 7:00 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., the accused unlawfully obtained Le21,000,000 from the complainant with the intent to defraud.

Evidence presented to the court included the complainant's testimony, stating that the funds were transferred to Mr. Bello based on representations made by the accused. The complainant asserts that Mr. Bello subsequently failed to honor the commitments linked to the transaction.

In his defence, Mr. Bello refuted the allegations, arguing that the funds were transferred voluntarily as part of a legitimate business arrangement.

He maintained that the dispute arose from a failed business engagement rather than any criminal or fraudulent intent.

Following a review of the evidence, Magistrate Jalloh ruled that a prima facie case had been established and ordered Mr. Bello to open his defence. The matter has been adjourned to Friday, February 27, 2026, for further proceedings.

The accused remains remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown pending the next court date.