Ibrahim Kanu, a central figure in an alleged fraudulent visa facilitation scheme, now finds himself behind bars within the confines of the Male Correctional Facility on Pademba Road.
The accused is currently under trial before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Ross Road Court No.1, facing two counts of obtaining money through false pretenses, a serious legal violation.
Law enforcement sources reveal that the purported incidents unfolded in January 2023 at the “Wanword” Garage in Wellington, Freetown.
The first incident, transpiring on January 12th, involves Kanu being accused of deceiving Alusine Conteh and fraudulently obtaining a sum of four thousand New Leones (NLe 4,000) with the promise of facilitating Conteh’s journey to the United States of America.
Similarly, on January 19th, Kanu is alleged to have extracted an additional sum of eleven thousand Leones (Le 11,000) from the same complainant, once again under false pretenses of aiding Conteh’s travel to the United States.
During the trial, the prosecution’s key witness, Alusine Conteh, testified under the guidance of Deputy Superintendent of Police Osman M Bangura. Conteh recounted his encounter with Kanu on January 12th, 2023, where Kanu presented an enticing opportunity for a trip to America, involving his supposed brother.
Kanu initially demanded a total of four million Leones, and subsequently, another eleven million Leones to purportedly finalize the travel arrangements.
As suspicions arose four months later, Conteh reported the incident to Wellington Police Station, leading to a subsequent police investigation and Kanu’s eventual arrest.
In the wake of a thorough cross-examination by the defense counsel, Magistrate Kekura ruled for the accused to be held in custody.
The case is set to resume on August 15th, 2023, for further legal proceedings.
