Two Lawyers Face Trial Over Alleged US$114,000 Vehicle Fraud

Two barristers, Maurice Jenner Mohamed Seisay, 34, and John Mans, 35, are facing trial over an alleged US$114,000 vehicle fraud involving three Toyota 4Runner vehicles.

The two lawyers are charged with conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by false pretences. They are accused of conspiring with others to obtain the vehicles from Bockarie Conteh under false pretences.

The allegations stem from events said to have occurred between November 1 and 30, 2023, at Harding Sesay and Partners Law Firm in Freetown, where the prosecution alleges that Seisay and Mans conspired with unknown persons to defraud the complainant.

The second count alleges that the defendants obtained three Toyota 4Runner vehicles valued at approximately US$114,000 after representing that payment would be made within 30 working days, despite allegedly knowing that the representation was false.

The matter is currently before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 and is at the committal proceedings stage.

During the proceedings, procedural issues have arisen over notices to cross-examine prosecution witnesses. The defendants have maintained that they submitted the required notices, while the prosecution has argued that the notices were not properly served in accordance with court orders and relevant legal provisions.

The court is expected to determine the outstanding procedural issues as the case progresses.

The matter has been adjourned to August 20, 2026, for further proceedings.

The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.