The preliminary investigation into the alleged US$210,000 gold fraud case involving 45-year-old Admire Frances Bio Jalloh and 42-year-old Dauda Jalloh, alias Alhaji Dausy, was on Monday, 3 August 2026, adjourned after the driver attached to the complainants testified and was cross-examined before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown.
The accused persons are facing 11 counts, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, conspiracy to rob, money laundering, receiving money on a forged document, uttering a forged document, selling minerals without legal authorisation, and tax evasion.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly conspired with other persons unknown between 10 and 14 August 2025 at No. 1 DAJ Drive, Mile 13, Freetown Peninsula, to defraud two Italian businessmen, Fanni Giuseppe and Alfio Siracusa, of US$210,000 by falsely representing that they operated a legitimate gold trading business.
Led in evidence by State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay Esq., Prosecution Witness No. 2, Ibrahim Sesay, testified that he recognised both accused persons as well as the two complainants.
During cross-examination by defence counsel Melron C. Nicole Wilson Esq., the witness told the court that he was initially employed by Abdulai Bah to work for the first accused, Admire Frances Bio Jalloh. He said he later received a telephone number and was instructed to drive a man identified as Buddy, whom he described as the former Lebanese manager of Lagoonda Hotel.
The witness said Buddy instructed him to transport the two Italian complainants to Mile 13. After the visit, he drove them back, and upon reaching Milton Margai College Junction, the complainants informed him that they preferred to return to their accommodation at Goderich instead of Lagoonda Hotel.
He further testified that while they were travelling, the vehicle was intercepted by individuals dressed in military uniforms, Operational Support Division (OSD) uniforms, and plain clothes. According to the witness, the men searched the vehicle after knocking on the driver’s door and questioning him.
The witness told the court that the individual seated in the front requested a Le20 banknote, adding that he did not see any other items being taken from the vehicle.
He further testified that Buddy later arrived at the scene, after which they all proceeded to Adonkia Police Station, where he was invited to make a statement.
At the conclusion of the witness’s testimony, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah adjourned the matter to 6 August 2026 for further hearing. Bail previously granted to both accused persons was extended.
