By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – In an ongoing embezzlement trial, businessman Philip Vanjah was arraigned before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Monday, November 4, 2024, facing one count of embezzlement, contrary to Section 17(1)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offense, Vanjah is accused of fraudulently embezzling a total of one million, two hundred and five thousand, two hundred and seventy-five Leones (Le 1,205,275) between January and April 2024. The funds were reportedly received by him on behalf of Fundex Foreign Exchange Bureau Sierra Leone Limited at No. 17 Saika Stevens, Freetown.
When the charge was read and explained, the accused did not enter a plea. The prosecution, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan Bull, requested a short adjournment to present evidence, stating that several documents had been identified and that they were prepared for a swift trial. Bull expressed that bail was a matter for the Magistrate’s discretion, indicating a preference for bail to be denied due to the serious nature of the charges.
Defense Counsel A. Freeman applied for bail on behalf of Vanjah, arguing that he is a Sierra Leonean who poses no flight risk and will not interfere with prosecution witnesses. Freeman highlighted that Vanjah is a family man and called for cross-examination based on the evidence to be presented.
The complainant, Leo Sahid Koroma, confirmed that he recognized Vanjah as the manager of Fundex Foreign Exchange Sierra Leone Limited for the western region. Koroma stated that he established a business unit with a capital of Le 239,000,000 and deposited Le 1,000,000,000. He mentioned that he had attempted to arrange meetings with Vanjah on three occasions in March, but Vanjah failed to attend. Koroma also alleged that Vanjah deleted all their communications via email and WhatsApp. He later discovered that funds had been withdrawn from Bloom Bank Africa Limited without his consent.
Koroma recognized various documents, including account statements and a memorandum of understanding, which were tendered as evidence. His laptop and phone were also submitted for investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
In light of the seriousness of the charges, Magistrate Bangura denied bail. The case has been adjourned to November 7, 2024, for further hearings.
