Nigerian National Charged with Fraud and Conspiracy in Gold Bar Scam

Nigerian national Ebude Chukwu Augustine Essay has been remanded on charges of conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses, following testimony by Inspector Ibrahim Bangura in the court of Magistrate Santigie Bangura on Monday, April 7, 2025.

The indictment alleges that Essay, along with accomplices who remain at large, fraudulently persuaded Destiny Mentor Nwaokoro to pay $48,000 under the pretense of selling two kilograms of gold bars at the Nexus Lodge Hotel in Hill Station, Freetown.

The accused is facing two charges: conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses, in violation of the Larceny Act of 1916. It is alleged that between March 1 and March 19, 2025, Essay conspired with Simeon Sankoh and others to commit these offenses.

The prosecution asserts that Essay fraudulently received $48,000 from Nwaokoro by falsely claiming to possess gold bars. During the proceedings, Inspector Bangura detailed the investigation, including Essay's arrest and the collection of statements.

The defense's bail application was denied, and the case was adjourned to April 15, 2025.