Two Lawyers Remanded Over Alleged US$114,000 Vehicle Fraud Case

Two lawyers, Maurice Sesay and John Mans, have appeared before the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 facing charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by false pretences in connection with an alleged US$114,000 vehicle scam.

The accused persons made their first appearance on Monday, 3 August 2026, before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah, where the charges were read to them.

According to the charge sheet, the two lawyers allegedly conspired with unknown accomplices between 1 November and 30 November 2023 at Harding Sesay and Partners Law Firm, No. 49 Dundas Street, Freetown, to defraud a client, Bockarie Conteh.

The prosecution alleges that the accused persons unlawfully obtained three Toyota 4Runner vehicles valued at US$114,000 from Conteh after allegedly representing that payment for the vehicles would be made within 30 working days.

It is further alleged that Conteh handed over the vehicles based on the representations made by the accused persons, which the prosecution claims were false and made with the intention to defraud.

During the proceedings, State Prosecutor Y.I. Sesay informed the court that it was the first appearance of the matter. He told the court that the prosecution had complied with Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act by providing the defence team with the case file and requested an adjournment to prepare for trial.

Defence counsel J.M. Jengo applied for bail under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, arguing that both accused persons are residents within the court’s jurisdiction, have stable employment, and have practised law for more than 11 years.

Counsel also highlighted their professional backgrounds and good conduct, arguing that continued detention could expose them to unnecessary hardship, including being held alongside individuals they had previously prosecuted. He further informed the court that the first accused has health challenges, which should be considered in granting bail.

However, after hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah denied the bail application and ordered that both accused persons remain in custody until the prosecution presents its witnesses.

The matter has been adjourned to 10 August 2026 for further hearing.