Sierra Leone Telegraph: 5 December 2018:
Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday, 3rd December 2018, indicted Mr. Abdulai Barrie, a former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Infrastructure in the Koroma led APC government for various corruption offences.
Mr. Abdulai Barrie was indicted on five counts of Using Office to Improperly Confer an Advantage, contrary to Section 42(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008; one count of Knowingly Abusing Position in Performing a Duty, contrary to Section 43 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008; one count of Failure to Disclose Interest to a Public Body, contrary to Section 45(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008; and one count of Knowingly Misleading the Anti-Corruption Commission, contrary to Section 127 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008.
According to the particulars of offence, Mr. Abdulai Barrie, on or about the 23rd June 2015, used his office to improperly award contracts for the refurbishment of various government properties to Ribar Enterprise, a business he jointly owns with his wife, amounting to One Billion, Eight Hundred and Eleven Million, One Hundred and Seventy Six Thousand, Nine Hundred Leones (Le 1,811,176,900), and was principal signatory to Accounts into which payments were made.
The ACC is reassuring the public of its commitment to controlling corruption at all times.
Nice movement by the New Direction government to bring to book those who were involved in corruption in the past government.
ACC Officials should read the Anti Corruption Act and know their jobs. ACC was not formed to go to Lebanese shops, but to unearth and investigate matters of corruption in high Offices.
This is commendable. Sierra Leone’s ACC should now impress us that it is truly independent and protects no one.
This is actually a very good example from the Bio’s administration because the only way the country can move forward is to prosecute all those past leaders who squandered the people’s money. Bravo to ACC for the good work done.