Sierra Leone Water Regulatory Agency Director General Testifies Against Mechanic in Alleged Fraud Case

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Water Regulatory Agency, Emmanuel Mannah, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, testified before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No.1 in a case involving alleged fraud by Christian Paul Fama.

The accused is charged with obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916, after allegedly defrauding Mannah of eighty-one thousand new Leones (NLe 81,000) while promising to repair his Mercedes Benz GL450, registration number AXI 424, between October and November 2024.

In his testimony, Mannah identified Fama in the dock and explained that he became acquainted with him through his driver. He recounted that his Belgium-imported Mercedes required repairs, prompting him to contact Fama, who claimed to be a professional mechanic.

Mannah stated that during their meeting at Pademba Road, Fama initially demanded Le 1,000 for transportation to collect the vehicle from Mannah’s residence, which Mannah provided. On October 27, 2024, Fama billed Mannah Le 40,000 for labor costs, insisting the price was non-negotiable. Mannah paid the amount through his driver.

Three weeks later, after following up on the repairs, Mannah was told by Fama that he needed more time. By December 2024, needing the vehicle urgently, Mannah contacted Fama again, who requested an additional $1,800. After negotiations, they agreed on $1,500, bringing the total to NLe 81,000.

Mannah reported that when he and his driver took the vehicle for a test drive towards the Guinea border, it broke down in Jui. They called Fama via video call for assistance, but the problem persisted. When Fama arrived to examine the vehicle, he acknowledged a fault but did not repair it by the following Monday, leading Mannah to report the incident to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The case has attracted public interest due to the involvement of a senior public official and the substantial financial loss linked to the alleged fraudulent vehicle repairs. After cross-examination by Defense Counsel Bawoh, Magistrate Jah adjourned the matter to June 11, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings.