Man Awaits Ruling on Fraudulent Conversion Case

By Fatmata Mohamed Bangura
Batharm Caulker made another appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 on one count of Fraudulent Conversion, contrary to Section 20(1)(IV)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
It is alleged that Batharm Caulker, on a date unknown between 1st February 2025, fraudulently converted property belonging to Alimamy Kargbo at Levuma Beach.
Detective Inspector Silvernous Sandi, attached to the Criminal Investigating Department, Lumley Police Station, recalled on Wednesday, 15th October 2025, while on duty, that the complainant, Alimamy Kargbo, had arrested and brought in the defendant, reporting a case of fraudulent conversion. The supervising officer, Inspector Hassan Conteh, assigned the matter to him for investigation.
On the same date, DI Sandi, together with his colleague Commeh A, obtained voluntary caution statements from both the complainant and the defendant. Commeh A questioned the defendant in Krio and recorded the responses in English. At the conclusion, the statement was read and explained to the defendant in Krio, who admitted it to be true and correct. Commeh A signed as the witness, and DI Sandi signed as the recorder. The said statement was produced and tendered in court.
On 25th October 2025, DI Sandi, together with Commeh A, charged the defendant with the offense of fraudulent conversion. Commeh A questioned the defendant in Krio and recorded the responses in English. At the end of the statement, it was read and explained to the defendant, who admitted it to be true and correct by appending his right-hand thumbprint. Commeh A signed as the witness, and DI Sandi as the recorder. This statement was also produced and tendered in court.
The defendant, who was unrepresented, cross-examined the witness. The prosecution applied for a no-case submission. Magistrate Jah granted bail to the defendant in the sum of NLe200 with two sureties, both of whom must be residents within the jurisdiction. The sureties are required to provide valid national identity cards and guarantee the presence of the defendant in court. They are jointly and severally responsible should the defendant fail to appear. The defendant is released on the condition that he attends all court proceedings related to the case. The matter was adjourned to 3rd December 2025 for ruling.