Magistrate Bangura Remands Businessman in High-Profile Embezzlement Case

By Mamajah Jalloh

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Philip Vanjah, a businessman, was again arraigned before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Monday, February 24, 2025, on a charge of embezzlement, contrary to Section 17(1)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the particulars of offense, between January and April 2024, at No. 17 Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown, Vanjah allegedly embezzled Le 1,205,275, which he had received on behalf of Fundex Foreign Exchange Bureau Sierra Leone Limited.

When the charge was read and explained, no plea was taken.

Prosecution Witness Testifies

The prosecution, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan Bull, presented Prosecution Witness No. 3, Detective Police Constable (DPC) 17809 Alimamy Kamara, attached to the Economic Unit at CID Headquarters, Freetown.

Kamara testified that on August 12, 2024, while on duty, the complainant reported the matter, which was assigned to him and DPC 14855 Bangura S.N. for investigation. Statements were obtained from the complainant and witnesses, and the complainant provided a copy of the accused’s appointment letter, which was tendered in court as Exhibit A1-2.

On September 3, 2024, a team of detectives, led by DPC 14855 Bangura S.L., executed a search warrant at the accused’s premises, where they discovered documents of police interest. These documents were tendered as Exhibit B1-8.

Between August 23 and September 3, 2024, Kamara and Bangura obtained a voluntary statement from the accused in Krio, which was recorded in English. After the statement was read and explained to him, the accused confirmed its accuracy and signed it with his handprint. This statement was tendered as Exhibit C1-94.

Between September 26 and 30, 2024, Kamara and Bangura conducted a further interview with the accused, and the resulting conditional statement was tendered as Exhibit D1-37.

On October 16, 2024, the accused was formally charged, following the same procedure as in his previous statements. The charge statement was tendered as Exhibit E1-3.

Bail Application & Ruling

Defense counsel A. Freeman applied for bail, arguing that the accused is a Sierra Leonean, not a flight risk, and has reliable sureties who are willing to present themselves in court when required. Freeman also noted that Vanjah is a family man and would not interfere with prosecution witnesses.

The accused was cross-examined by A. Freeman and F.S. Koroma.

However, Magistrate Bangura denied bail, citing the serious nature of the offense and the vague residential address provided by the accused. He ordered that Vanjah be remanded at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown.

The case has been adjourned to March 3, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.