Ecobank’s reputation has come under scrutiny after one of its former staff, Ishmael Hortons Jalloh, was dragged to court for allegedly stealing close to one million new Leones from the bank’s account system.
The former Card Operations Officer made his second appearance on Wednesday, 10th September 2025, before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.
Jalloh is facing a charge of Larceny by Servant contrary to Section 17(1)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, between September 2022 and November 2024, while serving at Ecobank’s Head Office in Freetown, the accused allegedly stole Le981,268.38 from the bank’s General Ledger’s account. The money was reportedly deposited into Car Tech Account Number: 6340005879 and later withdrawn under his instructions.
Testifying in court, was Osman David Kamara, Head of Internal Audit at Ecobank, admitted that the accused was indeed a staff member and held responsibility for card operations. He stated that his own role involves auditing, risk management, and evaluating the bank’s internal controls, a statement that raises questions about how such a huge fraud escaped detection for over two years. Prosecution led by ASP Dalia Wellington requested an adjournment to conduct further interviews with the witness.
The accused is currently on bail as the matter will continue on the 19th September 2025.
