In a courtroom filled with anticipation, businessman Philip Vanjah confronted embezzlement charges before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Monday, February 24, 2025.
The charges arose from an alleged scheme to misappropriate a substantial sum of one million, two hundred and five thousand, two hundred and seventy-five Leones (Le 1,205,275) from Fundex Foreign Exchange Bureau Sierra Leone Limited, purportedly occurring between January and April of 2024 at his premises on Saika Stevens Street, Freetown.
Upon the reading of the charge, Vanjah remained silent as the courtroom awaited the prosecution's presentation with bated breath.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan Bull summoned key witness DPC 17809 Alimamy Kamara from the Economic Unit of the CID Headquarters in Freetown.
Kamara recounted his involvement in the investigation, describing a crucial day on August 12, 2024, when a report was filed against Vanjah.
The tension heightened as the witness explained how he and his partner swiftly initiated a probe into the complainant's allegations, seizing critical evidence, including an appointment letter connecting Vanjah to Fundex, which he submitted to the court as "Exhibit A1-2."
With the courtroom engaged, Kamara described a pivotal moment on September 3, 2024, when police officers executed a search warrant at Vanjah's business premises.
He disclosed that they discovered documents deemed essential to the investigation, collectively labeled as "Exhibits B1-8." Each exhibit was presented methodically, adding layers of complexity to the case, drawing the audience's attention closer.
As the examination continued, Kamara detailed the extensive questioning that Vanjah underwent. He noted that the accused had voluntarily provided statements that were recorded, explained, and later signed in his handwriting, supporting the prosecution's narrative that Vanjah was not merely a passive participant in this alleged scheme.
These statements were entered into evidence as "Exhibits C1-94" and "D1-37," constructing an intricate web of testimonies that seemed to tighten around the businessman.
Despite the accumulating evidence, Vanjah's defense attorney, A. Freeman, appealed to the magistrate to grant bail, portraying the accused as a family man and a reliable citizen unlikely to flee or interfere with evidence.
However, Magistrate Bangura’s stern demeanor indicated his reservations. In a decisive ruling, he judged the charges serious enough to justify detaining the accused until the next hearing.
"Due to the gravity of the offense and the ambiguous nature of the defense presented," he declared, "bail is hereby denied, and the accused will be remanded at the male correctional center in Freetown."
The matter is scheduled for March 3, 2025.
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