Suspect Bailed in $30,000 Fuel Tanker Scam

One of two men accused of defrauding a victim of $30,000 in a fake fuel tanker sale has been granted bail, while his alleged accomplice remains remanded in custody.

Dominic Monrovia, also known as Elon Wise, was released on bail following a preliminary hearing at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1. His co-accused, Abdul Kamara, has been committed to the Male Correctional Centre pending his High Court trial.

Both men face charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses. Prosecutors allege that between May 15 and May 20, 2025, in Freetown, the accused conspired to obtain money by deception.

Specifically, it is alleged that on May 20, 2025, at Masalia Village, Masiaka Town, in Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko District, the suspects obtained $30,000 (approximately Le720,000) from Daniel Musa. 

They purportedly claimed to have two fuel tanker trucks for sale, a claim they allegedly knew to be false, intending to deceive Musa into handing over the money.

During the preliminary hearing, Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah ruled that there was sufficient evidence to send the case to trial in the High Court. 

Monrovia is required to remain a resident of Freetown until the trial date is fixed.