Lawyers for Admire Francess Bio-Jalloh, popularly known as “Mama of Freetown” and a niece of President Julius Maada Bio, and her husband Dauda Jalloh (also known as Alhaji Dausy) have taken their fight to the High Court in Freetown.
They are seeking to overturn Magistrate Brima Jah’s decision committing them to stand trial on 11 counts linked to an alleged gold fraud involving Italian nationals.
The couple, who remain on bail under strict conditions, want the High Court to quash the Magistrate’s ruling and order their immediate discharge. Lead Defence Counsel Melron C. Nicol-Wilson of Nicol-Wilson & Co. (Malaika Chambers) filed an application for an order of certiorari on 26 August 2026. A hearing date has not yet been fixed.
The defence argues that Magistrate Jah failed to properly examine the prosecution’s evidence before rejecting their no-case submission. While the Magistrate referred to the 11 counts and the testimony of three prosecution witnesses, counsel say he did not sufficiently analyse each charge individually or explain how the evidence met the essential elements of the offences against either accused.
They contend that the general conclusion that the couple had a case to answer did not adequately address the specific weaknesses raised in the no-case application.
The lawyers are also asking the High Court to halt further steps towards trial, including the formal filing of charges, until the application is heard and determined.
Background to the Case
The matter stems from allegations that the couple defrauded two Italian businessmen, Fanni Giuseppe and Alfio Siracusa, in a purported gold transaction in August 2025. Prosecutors claim the accused represented that GAN Minerals Sierra Leone Limited was a licensed gold-trading company capable of supplying about three kilograms of gold. The Italians allegedly paid sums variously reported in the range of US$210,000 to over US$400,000 (including payments described as export taxes).
Investigators later raised questions about the company’s licensing status and registered address. Witnesses, including one of the Italian complainants and a driver, testified about the transaction and an alleged subsequent ambush/interception involving men in military or police-style attire. The prosecution closed its case after evidence from a CID investigator.
The 11 counts include conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, conspiracy to rob, money laundering, dealing with forged documents, selling minerals without lawful authority, and tax evasion.
Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah (also referred to as Mustapha Braima Jah in some reports) of Pademba Road Magistrate Court rejected the no-case submission and committed the matter to the High Court for trial. The couple were earlier granted bail of US$500,000 each under stringent conditions that included property sureties, surrender of travel documents, and restrictions on social media use.
The High Court application now puts the committal order under review. Until the court decides whether to quash the Magistrate’s decision or allow it to stand, Admire Francess Bio-Jalloh and Dauda Jalloh remain on bail.
The case has drawn significant public attention in Sierra Leone because of the presidential family connection and the involvement of foreign investors in the country’s minerals sector. Both accused continue to enjoy the presumption of innocence.
