Tricycle Rider in Court Over Alleged Counterfeit Banknote Possession

Foday Sankoh, a 52-year-old tricycle rider, appeared before Magistrate Idrissa A. Kamara at Pademba Road Court No. 1 today to face a charge of possession of counterfeit banknotes.

The proceedings are being held under Section 34(1)(b) of the Bank of Sierra Leone Act, 2019. Because this is a committal proceeding, the defendant did not enter a plea.

Authorities allege that on March 10, 2026, at State Avenue, Freetown, Mr. Sankoh was found in possession of NLe200 in NLe20 denominations. Investigators claim all notes bore the same serial number, DD668645, and suspect them to be counterfeit.

According to court testimony from Detective Police Constable 17809 Alimamy Kamara, two military personnel, Sergeant A. Tangabay and Corporal C. Lahi, apprehended the accused at State Avenue and transferred him to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) alongside the suspected currency.

The prosecution, led by Police Constable 17649 B. Kargbo, presented evidence detailing the investigation. Detective Kamara testified that between March 10 and 16, he and Detective Sergeant S.S. Langbai obtained a voluntary, cautioned statement from Mr. Sankoh. This statement, which was explained to the accused in Krio and verified by his thumbprint, was submitted as evidence (Exhibits A1–A13).

Following a subsequent analysis, the Bank of Sierra Leone’s Banking Supervision Department confirmed the notes were indeed counterfeit. This verification report (Exhibits B1–B2) and Mr. Sankoh’s signed charge statement (Exhibits C1–C2) have also been entered into the record.

The court adjourned the case until July 9, 2026. At that time, the magistrate will determine if there is sufficient evidence—a prima facie case—to require the accused to present a defense. Should the court find the evidence insufficient, Mr. Sankoh may be discharged.