Andrew Kai O’John, a 27-year-old businessman, was arrested today on charges of alleged fraudulent conversion involving a Mercury machine. The charges arise from a military officer's allegation that Mr. O’John did not fulfill a commercial agreement regarding the said equipment.
Mr. O’John appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2, facing a single charge of fraudulent conversion, in violation of Section 20 (1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The details of the offense allege that Mr. O’John appropriated a red Mercury machine, valued at 27,500 Leones, for personal use in June 2024. The machine had been entrusted to him by Mr. Mohamed Lappia for commercial purposes.
Mr. O’John did not enter a plea upon the reading of the charge.
Sergeant T. Ballay, the prosecuting officer, presented military officer Mohamed Lappia as the prosecution's first witness.
Mr. Lappia detailed his association with Mr. O’John and provided information regarding the alleged fraudulent transaction. He stated that in June 2024, Mr. O’John expressed interest in acquiring a Mercury machine and was informed by Mr. Lappia about an available unit.
Mr. Lappia facilitated the purchase of the Mercury machine for 27,500 Leones, subsequently transferring it to Mr. O’John with an agreement for installment payments totaling 50,000 Leones, to be paid in monthly installments of 5,000 Leones over one year. However, Mr. Lappia testified that Mr. O’John made only a single payment of 3,000 Leones in September 2024 and has failed to make further payments, despite repeated requests for the outstanding balance.
Mr. Lappia reported the matter to both the Mercury Officer and the police following Mr. O’John's failure to return the machine.
During cross-examination by defense attorney A.N.D Musa Esq, a bail application was submitted on behalf of Mr. O’John. However, Magistrate Bangura denied the bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns about the potential risk of flight.
Mr. O’John has been remanded to the male correctional facility in Freetown, with the case adjourned until March 12, 2025.
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