By: Alima Kargbo
Ibrahim Barrie was arrested on August 10, 2025, in connection with a major fraud and theft case involving Sky Bank Sierra Leone Limited. He appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah at the Freetown Magistrate Court facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud and larceny.
Count 1: Conspiracy to Defraud, according to the charge sheet, Barrie, between May 1st -31, 2025, at Sky Bank’s Cline Town Branch in Freetown, conspired with unknown individuals to defraud Sky Bank Sierra Leone Limited of NLe 94,500.
Count 2: Larceny, On May 8, 2025, Barrie allegedly stole NLe400 via a bank-to-wallet transaction from Sky Bank, contravening Section (2) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
Count 3: Larceny, On May 9, 2025, he is accused of stealing another NLe15,000 through a similar bank-to-wallet transfer.
Count 4: Larceny, On the same day, May 9th, 2025, Barrie allegedly stole an additional NLe70,000, all funds being the property of Sky Bank Sierra Leone Limited.
The Prosecution witness David King Forfanah, a marketing officer and relationship manager at Sky Bank, testified that the fraud was discovered after a suspicious check transaction. He explained that a check issued by Barrie could not be processed, prompting an internal inquiry.
Forfanah stated he contacted the customer (Barrie), who claimed to be out of town and promised to return. However, after more than two months without contact, the bank launched a further investigation. A discrepancy in ID documentation raised red flags.
Attempts to locate Barrie led Forfanah to his former residence, where he was informed that Barrie had relocated. A message was left with a neighbour, who later reported Barrie’s return.
Upon confrontation, Barrie initially denied opening the account but later claimed he lost his ID and wallet in Wellington.
Forfanah proposed they visited a nearby police station to file a report. However, at the Approves School Post Police Station, Barrie allegedly attempted to flee.
He was subsequently remanded and later transferred to Ross Road Police Station. Statements were taken, and the case was forwarded to the Central Police Station before being charged in court.
The court was presented with the bank account statement showing an initial deposit of NLe100, followed by withdrawals of NLe80 and NLe15.
Magistrate Jah granted bail with one surety, who must be a Sierra Leonean. The case was adjourned to September 1, 2025, for further proceedings.
