Student Remanded for Visa Scam

By Fatmata Mohamed Bangura
Thirty-one-year-old student, Sahr George Kabba Mondeh, made another appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown on a charge of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, the accused, on Tuesday, 3rd October 2024, at No. 5 Hill Side Bye-Pass Road, off Pademba Road, Freetown, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of three thousand United States dollars ($3000) from Abdul Rahman Thorlu Bangura by falsely pretending that he would provide a New Zealand Visa and facilitate his travel to the said country, knowing same to be false.
When the charge was read, no plea was taken.
Police Prosecutor Inspector M. Lahai led in evidence Joseph Komeh Musa, Head of the Criminal Judiciary, who recognized the accused and recalled that on 13th December 2024, he was on duty when Kaprie Conteh and Ibrahim Kamara called him to witness an agreement at Tenal Legal Law Firm.
The witness said that prior to that, on 12th December, they had informed him about the agreement, but he told them he would be available by 12 noon the following day. Upon arrival at the law firm, he was introduced to the accused, who said his lawyer was preparing the agreement. When the lawyer came out with the document, it was read, corrected, and signed by all parties.
The witness testified that the agreement was for a trip to New Zealand, for which each person was to pay $4,000 but they each paid $2000 initially. A receipt was issued and signed by the accused, which he (the witness) also signed as a witness.
The said agreement was tendered in court and marked as Exhibit Z1–3, while the receipt was marked as Exhibit Y1–4. The witness concluded that he later made a report to the police.
During cross-examination, the witness stated that he was not informed how the accused was contacted, nor was he aware if the accused was a representative. He also denied knowledge of any “New Zealand Forum” WhatsApp group and said he was not told how the alleged victims received their visas.
Considering the gravity of the offence, Magistrate Jah ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to 4th November 2025.