Two Lawyers Granted NLe 3 Million Bail in US$114,000 Vehicle Fraud Case

Two Lawyers Granted NLe 3 Million Bail in US$114,000 Vehicle Fraud Case

Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of the Pademba Road Court No. 1 has granted bail totaling NLe 3 million each to two legal practitioners facing charges in a high-profile fraud case involving the sale of luxury vehicles.

The accused, 34-year-old Maurice Jenner Mohamed Seisay and 35-year-old John Mans, both barristers, appeared before the court to answer charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by false pretenses. The allegations stem from a November 2023 transaction at the Harding Sesay and Partners Law Firm on Dundas Street, involving three Toyota 4Runner vehicles valued at US$114,000.

According to court records, the defendants allegedly conspired with unidentified individuals to defraud Bockarie Conteh. It is claimed they obtained the vehicles by falsely promising full payment within a 30-day window. While the charges were formally read in court, no pleas have been entered as the case remains in the committal stage.

The proceedings were marked by a heated exchange regarding procedural compliance. State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay raised significant objections, noting that the defense had failed to adhere to established legal standards for filing notices to cross-examine prosecution witnesses. Prosecutor Sesay emphasized that while the state is prepared to proceed, it would not compromise on due process.

Defense Counsel Jessie M. Jengo acknowledged the "procedural oversight" but urged Magistrate Jah to prioritize the interests of justice over technicalities. Jengo argued that the necessary notices had been served that morning and requested the court move forward with the substantive merits of the case.

Following the submissions, Magistrate Jah ordered the defense to ensure full compliance with legal requirements for witness examination. However, he exercised his discretion to grant bail. 

The conditions require each accused to provide two Sierra Leonean sureties with valid identification and proof of residence in Freetown, subject to approval by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.

The matter has been adjourned to August 17, 2026, for the continuation of committal hearings. 

The case continues to draw public interest as a test of procedural integrity within the Sierra Leonean judicial system.