Jehad Basma & Co Appear In Court

According to the particulars of offence on count 1, the accused persons on a date unknown between the 20th and 26th of May 2024, in Moryonfeh village, Kono District, conspired with intent to defraud and commit a crime of Embezzlement.

Count Two further stated that the 1st accused, Sheku Kobba alias ID Card, 2nd accused Tamba Lebbie and the 3rd accused, Jehad Basma, on the above date and place fraudulently embezzled one piece of diamond weighed two hundred and sixty four carats (264) of an estimated value of Forty Two Thousand United States Dollars ($42,000), equivalent to one billion, three million and two hundred thousand Leones (1,003,200,000) property of one Mr. Benjamin Merer.

Count Three further stated that on the same date and place the 4th accused did receive the piece of Diamond.

The Prosecuting Counsel, Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq, applied for a short adjourned date because the third accused was absent in court

Counsel representing the accused persons, Jessie M Jengo Esq, applied for bail for and on behalf of the accused persons Pursuant to Section 79 (2) and (3 )of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.

The State Prosecutor, Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq, in his reply stated that the fact is before the Magistrate and the four accused persons were charged and one is absent, and that is an eye opener.

He pleaded for a stringent bail condition if the bench decides to grant bail, adding that the complainant came to the court seeking justice and that justice should be served.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Bangura said he has carefully listened to both Prosecution and the Defense Counsels. He said he had acknowledged the offences charged, particularly the nature of the property of the action and its estimated value, and the failure of the Third accused to appear in court with no excuse.

He granted the three accused persons present bail in the sum of two billion Leones, with two sureties.

The titles deeds must be valued to the amount of money contained on the face of the charge sheet, and they should surrender all their travelling documents with particular emphasis laid on the passports.

He also ordered that a letter be written by the Master and Registrar directed to the department of immigration and copied the court and prosecution, and ordered that the accused persons not to travel out of the jurisdiction until the matter is completed.

The condition also stated that one of the sureties must operate a bank account containing at least one billion Leones, and the said bank statement must be duly signed and stamped by their respective banking authorities.

All of the accused persons, Magistrate Santigie Bangura said, must swear to affidavits in which they would depose that they intend not to leave the jurisdiction.

The matter was adjourned to the 16th August 2024.