The full reports of the various commissions of inquiry and excerpts from the White Paper

COI – JUSTICE BANKOLE THOMPSON FULL REPORT

COI – JUSTICE ATUGUBA FULL REPORT

COI – JUSTICE BIOBELE FULL REPORT

Justice Bankole Thompson Commission of Inquiry

WHITE PAPER ON THE REPORT OF THE HON. DR. JUSTICE BANKOLE THOMPSON COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO, INTER ALIA, EXAMINE THE ASSETS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS IN RESPECT OF PERSONS WHO WERE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENTS, MINISTERS, MINISTERS OF STATE AND DEPUTY MINISTERS; AND HEADS AND CHAIRMEN OF BOARDS OF PARASTATALS, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES WITHIN THE PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 2007 TO APRIL 2018.

1. The SLPP New Direction Government in its commitment and desire to eradicate corruption, mismanagement and indiscipline in the affairs of government, as well as the recovery of all State assets and properties acquired through unexplained wealth and unjust enrichment, by Constitutional Instrument No. 65 of 2018 published in the Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette Vol. CXLIX, No. 65 dated 1st August, 2018, instituted the Commission of Inquiry (Examination, Inquiry and Investigation) Notice (2), 2018 with Hon. Dr. Justice Bankole Thompson as Chairman and Sole Commissioner in order to:-

a) examine the assets and other related matters in respect of-

(i) persons who were President, Vice President, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and

(ii) Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies within the period from November 2007 to April 2018

b) Inquire into and investigate whether assets were acquired lawfully or unlawfully;

c) inquire into-

(i) persons who were President, Vice President, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and

(ii) Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies;

d) ascertain as to whether the persons referred to in sub paragraphs (a) to (c) –

(i) maintained a standard of life above that which was commensurate to their official emoluments;

(ii) owned or were in control of pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to their official emoluments or there are evidence of corruption, dishonesty or abuse of office for private benefit by them;

(iii) collaborated with any person in respect of such corruption, dishonesty or abuse of office;

(iv) acted wilfully or complacently in such a manner so as to cause financial loss or damage to the government, local authority or parastatal including a public corporation;

(v) acquired directly or indirectly financial or material gains fraudulently, improperly or wilfully to the detriment of the government, local authority or a parastatal including a public corporation, statutory Commission, body or any university

e) to inquire into and investigate any persons or matters as may from time to time referred to the Commission by his Excellency the President.

2. The Commission has submitted its Report on the assets and other related matters in respect of persons who were President, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies within the period from November 2007 to April 2018 and Government has since reviewed the Report and recommendations therein.

3. Government wishes to reiterate its commitment in the fight against corruption and public malfeasance as well as restoring decency, accountability, transparency and good government in the administration of our country.

4. Accordingly, it is hoped that public officers would learn from the findings of the Commissions of Inquiry.

B. Examination of the Assets of Named Persons of Interest

1. Dr Ernest Bai Koroma, Former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone

Government notes that:

“The legitimate income of the former President between the period November 2007 and April 2018 was found to be thus: –

a. Salaries – Le2,740,439,563.00

b. NASSIT Pension – 213,908,082.20

c. Income from Investment – 1,523,289,322.00

Total – Le4,477,636,967.20”

However, mathematical calculations show that the value of assets he acquired during his tenure as President “far exceeds his total emoluments and legitimate earnings.” For instance, the total value of his property at Femi Turner Drive amounts to $5,069,000.00 equivalent to Le40,554,000,000.00.

Government accepts the following recommendations:

(A) That property registered in the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General as No.1253/2014 at page 103 in Volume 729 conveyed by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Infrastructure and Zhong Ji Shiye Development Company Ltd to Mohamed Koroma on the 30th May 2014 situate, lying and being at Off Spur Road, Blue Bell Drive, Freetown in the Western Area of Sierra Leone be confiscated and forfeited to the State, as ownerless property (bona vacantia).

(B) That property situate, lying and being at Gbangba Yilla, Hill Station, Freetown suspected to be owned by the former President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, but in respect of which he denied ownership be confiscated and forfeited to the State on the grounds that it is bona vacantia, that is ownerless property.

(C) That property situate, lying and being at Port Loko District in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone be confiscated and forfeited to the State on the grounds that it is bona vacantia, that it is ownerless property.

(D) That property situate at Nos. 6 and 8 Femi Turner Drive, Goderich in the Western Area of Sierra Leone, in the name of Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, registered on 12th May 2016 at Page 144 in Volume 767 in the Books of Voluntary Conveyances kept in the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General be confiscated and forfeited to the State on the grounds that they were (i) purchased during the former President’s tenure of office, (ii) he failed to disclose them in his Assets Declaration, and (iii) the structures are worth thousands of dollars, without any explanations proffered for such unexplained or extraordinary wealth evidencing incommensurability and disproportionality between the former President’s assets and official emoluments.

(E) That property situate, lying and being at Robureh, Makeni, Bombali District in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone belonging to Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma be confiscated and forfeited to the State on the grounds that the property evidences compellingly (i) the incommensurability between the standard of life of the former President and his official emoluments during the period under review, (ii) the disproportionality between the former President’s ownership and control of property and his official emoluments, (iii) failure on the part of the former President to disclose the said property in his Exit Declaration of Assets, contrary to section 122 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2008; and (iv) failure to explain such extraordinary wealth.

(F) That, predicated on prima facie evidence proffered before the Commission, there was some questionable financial relationship between the former President and a Chinese Company known as Xinlin Mining (SL) Limited, bearing some nexus to the property at Robureh in Makeni which, in the Commission’s view, may justify investigation by the Cabinet. It is so recommended.

2. Dr. Kaifala Marah, Former Minister of Finance and Economic Development

Government notes that “Dr. Kaifala Marah produced sufficient evidence of his sources of income in respect of the assets acquired during his tenure in public office.”

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Dr. Kaifala Marah did not maintain a standard of life above that which was commensurate to his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Dr. Kaifala Marah did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

3. Dr. Samura M. W. Kamara, Former Minister of Finance and Economic Development/Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Government notes the following:

“(A) That Dr. Samura Kamara owned or was in control of property, to wit, thirty-one (31) vehicles between July 2008 and January 2018 disproportionate to his official emoluments; thereby unjustly enriching himself at the expense of the State of Sierra Leone;

(B) That the aforesaid Dr. Samura Kamara failed to declare the said vehicles (a mandatory requirement of law), such failure constituting an act of dishonesty;

(C) That by reason of such failure as stated in (B) above, Dr. Samura Kamara is in contravention of section 122 (a) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008 and accordingly liable to prosecution under the said statute.”

Government accepts this recommendation:

The Commission hereby recommends that the case of Dr. Samura Kamara be referred to the Anti- Corruption Commission for investigation and other law enforcement action.

4. Mr. Momodu Lamin Kargbo, Former Minister of Finance and Economic Development

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Mr. Momodu Kargbo did not maintain a standard of life above that which was commensurate to his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Mr. Momodu Kargbo did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

5. Mrs Zainab Hawa Bangura, Former Minister of Health and Sanitation/Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Mrs Zainab Bangura, former Minister of Health and later Foreign Affairs did not maintain a standard of life above that which was commensurate to her official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That the aforesaid Mrs Zainab Bangura did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to her official emoluments during the period under review.

6. Mr. Momoh Vandi, Former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Mr. Momoh Vandi, former Deputy Minister of Finance did not maintain a standard of life above that which was commensurate to his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That the aforesaid Mr. Momoh Vandi did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

7. Mr. Sulaiman Kabba-Koroma, Former Board Chairman, National Revenue Authority and later National Commission for Privatization

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Mr. Sulaiman Kabba Koroma did not maintain a standard of life above that which was commensurate to his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That the aforesaid Mr. Sulaiman Kabba Koroma did not own or was in control of pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

8. Haja Isata Kallah Kamara, Former Commissioner General, National Revenue Authority

Government accepts the following conclusions:

That there is no sufficient evidence before the Commission at this stage to make these determinations:

(1) whether Haja Isata Kallah Kamara, former Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority maintained a standard of life incommensurate with her official emoluments during the period under review;

(2) that she owned or was in control of pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to her official emoluments during the period under review.

9. Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay, Former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security

Government notes that:

“(A) That Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay did maintain a standard of life above that which was commensurate to his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay owned or was in control of pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review;

(C) Predicated on (A) and (B), that Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay is culpable of unjust enrichment.”

Government accepts this recommendation:

That the Eight (8)-Bedroom, Two (2)-Storey House in Madina Town, Kambia District, acquired by Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay when he was Minister and built during 2013 to 2016, be confiscated to the State of Sierra Leone, as the entity at whose expense Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay has been unjustly enriched.

10. Professor Monty Patrick Jones, Former Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Professor Monty P. Jones, former Minister of Agriculture did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That the aforesaid Professor Monty P. Jones did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

11. Mr. Lovell Chandi Thomas, Former Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security

Government notes that Mr. Lovell Chandi Thomas: “breached Section 122 (a) of the Anti- Corruption Act and must be investigated by the said entity.”

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Mr. Lovell Chandi Thomas, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That the aforesaid Mr. Lovell Chandi Thomas did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

12. Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Former Minister of Information and Communications

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, former Minister of Information and Communications, did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That the aforesaid Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

13. Mr. Mohamed Bangura, Former Minister of Information and Communications

Government notes that the “salary of Mr. Mohamed [Bangura] for the period he served [was] Le 506,450,010.00”. However, he made a declaration that he had USD 288,000 at the HFC bank account 21042022017 but “nowhere was it disclosed that Hon. Mohamed Bangura has ever had the sum of USD 288,000 in the said account.”

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That the said Mr. Mohamed Bangura did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That he made a false declaration in his Asset Declaration dated 1st November, 2016 to the effect that he had the sum of USD288,000 in his HFC Bank Account No. 21042022017.

That Mr. Mohamed Bangura be prosecuted for making a false declaration.

14. Mr. Sheka Tarawalie, Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communications

Government notes that Mr. Sheka Tarawalie did not appear at the Commission nor did he file an Affidavit in respect of his assets but rather sent in a letter with derogatory remarks for his non- attendance to the Chairman and Sole Commissioner of the Commission. By this conduct, he was “very discourteous and treated the Commissioner with contempt and ridicule, and is therefore unfit to hold public office of responsibility.”

Government accepts this conclusion:

(A) That Mr. Sheka Tarawalie, was in contempt of the Commission by reason of the derogatory letter sent to the Commission. His conduct is clearly indicative of the culture of disrespect prevailing among some members of the political elite/leadership in some countries for the rule of law, borne out of the misconception that they are above the law.

Government notes this recommendation. However, by parity of reasoning, justice dictates that Government issues no such restrain on political participation.

The Commission hereby recommends that by reason of such aforementioned contempt for the rule of law, the overarching norm, national and global, the aforesaid Mr. Sheka Tarawalie be banned from holding any public office of responsibility, political, statal, or otherwise for a period of ten (10) years.

15. Mr. Theophilus Nicol, Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communications

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Mr. Theophilus Nicol, former Deputy Minister, Ministry of Information and Communications did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That the said Mr. Theophilus Nicol, did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

16. Mr. Cornelius Deveaux, Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communications

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Mr. Cornelius Deveaux did not maintain a standard of life above that which was commensurate to his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Mr. Cornelius Deveaux did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

17. Mr. Momoh Konteh, Former Board Chairman, National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM)

Government notes that:

“(A) Mr. Momoh Konteh, former Board Chairman of NATCOM did maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) Mr. Momoh Konteh, aforesaid, did own or was in control of pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review;

(C) That by reason of (A) and (B), Mr. Momoh Konteh unjustly enriched himself at the expense of the State of Sierra Leone;

(D) That aforementioned Mr. Momoh Konteh, by reason of his failure to explain the lawfulness of his acquisition of property at No. 8 Robert Street, Freetown as delineated in Survey Plan L.S No. 2506/17 dated 29th September 2019 attached to Conveyance dated 15th September 2017 registered as No. 3618/17 in Volume 801 at Page 75 is culpable of unjust enrichment;

(E) That aforementioned Mr. Momoh Konteh, by reason of his failure to explain the lawfulness of his acquisition of house and land at Hill Top, Hill Station, Freetown as delineated in Survey Plan LoA 8648 of 4th August 2011and/or lying and being at Ataya Base, Hill Top, Hill Station, Freetown is culpable of unjust enrichment;

(F) That aforementioned Mr. Momoh Konteh, by reason of his failure to explain the lawfulness of his acquisition of property at Off Peninsular Circular Road, Adonkia, Freetown delineated in Survey Plan L.S No. 2474/16 dated 4th November 2016 attached to Conveyance dated 18th January 2017 registered as No. of 331 at No. 782 at Page 24 of the Record Books of Conveyance is culpable of unjust enrichment”

Government accepts this recommendation:

Based on the foregoing conclusions, and guided by the doctrine of equity that restitution is the recognized and effective remedy in law for unjust enrichment, the Commission hereby recommends that the properties mentioned in (D), (E) and (F) above be confiscated to the State as the Certificate Beneficiary of properties acquired unlawfully.

18. Mr. Senesie Kallon, Former Director General, National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM)

(A) That despite the failure of Mr. Senesie Kallon, former Director General of NATCOM to disclose his Asset Declaration on taking up office or during his tenure, and failure to disclose his official emoluments for the period he served as Director General of NATCOM, there is evidence to the effect that he acquired two properties from 2015 to 2016 during his tenure as Director General.

Government accepts this recommendation:

Consequently, the Commission recommends that the aforesaid, Mr. Senesie Kallon, submit to the Anti-Corruption Commission documentary evidence of his emoluments for the period he served as Director General of NATCOM within a time period to be determined by Cabinet.

19. Mr. Idrissa Yilla, Former Board Chairman, Sierra Leone Cable Limited (SALCAB)

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Mr. Mr. Idrissa Yilla, former Board Chairman of SALCAB, did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Mr. the aforesaid Mr. Idrissa Yilla, did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

20. Mr. Mohamed Sheriff, Former Managing Director, Sierra Leone Cable Limited (SALCAB)

Government accepts this conclusion:

That Mr. Mohamed Sheriff, former Managing Director of Sierra Leone Cable Ltd, did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

21. Mr. Alpha Sesay, Former Managing Director, Sierra Leone Telecommunications Company Limited (SIERRATEL)

(A) That Mr. Alpha Sesay, former Managing Director of SIERRATEL did not submit any Asset Declaration to the Anti-Corruption Commission;

(B) That Mr. Alpha Sesay, former Managing Director of SIERRATEL failed to submit a Declaration of Assets Form to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Government accepts this recommendation:

That by reason of his failure to submit a declaration to the Anti-Corruption Commission, it is hereby recommended that he be referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation.

22. Mr. Edward Sesay, Former Managing Director, Sierra Leone Telecommunications Company Limited (SIERRATEL)

Government accepts the following conclusions:

That Mr. Edward Sesay, former Managing Director of SIERRTEL (a) did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments, and (b) did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

23. Mr. Sidi yayah Tunis, Former Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs

Government accepts this conclusion:

That Mr. Sidi Yayah Tunis, former Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

24. Dr. Dennis Sandy, Former Minister of Lands, Housing and the Environment and later Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Dr. Dennis Sandy, former Minister of Lands and later Social Welfare, did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Dr. Dennis Sandy did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

25. Mr. Momodu Elongima Maligi III, Former Minister of Water Resources

(A) That there is no evidence before the Commission upon which a determination as to incommensurability or lack thereof, between his life style and official emoluments or ownership or control of pecuniary resources or property can be made since the former Minister defaulted in declaring his assets to the Anti-Corruption Commission, nor did he testify before the Commission.

Government accepts this recommendation:

The Commission accordingly recommends that he be investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

26. Dr. Soccoh Alex Kabia, Former Minister of Health and Sanitation and later Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs and finally Fisheries and Marine Resources

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Dr. Soccoh A. Kabia, former Minister of Health and Sanitation, and later Social Welfare and finally Fisheries, did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Dr. Soccoh A. Kabia, did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

27. Alhaji Moijueh Kaikai, Former Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Alhaji Moijueh Kaikai, former Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Alhaji Moijueh Kaikai did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

28. Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, Former Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Dr. Sylvia O. Blyden, former Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with her official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Dr. Sylvia O. Blyden did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to her official emoluments during the period under review.

29. Haja Musu Kandeh, Former Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Haja Musu Kandeh, former Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with her official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Haja Musu Kandeh did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to her official emoluments during the period under review.

30. Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay, Former Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay, former Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with her official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to her official emoluments during the period under review.

31. Dr. Mohamed Gibril Sesay, Former Minister of State 2, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Government accepts the following conclusions:

(A) That Dr. Mohamed Gibril Sesay, former Minister of State 2, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, did not maintain a standard of life incommensurate with his official emoluments during the period under review;

(B) That Dr. Mohamed Gibril Sesay did not own or control pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his official emoluments during the period under review.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Sierra Leoneans of all tribes and political affiliations must commit to holding their governments accountable for the way they spend public funds, how they generate revenue, how they conduct themselves in public life, how they enforce the law and dispense justice, and their performance in delivering their party’s agenda for development of the country. Nothing more – nothing less. Maada Bio has today set just one of those standards with which we can hold those governing us to account.

The bar has been raised. It will apply to all outgoing governments in future. Those wrongfully affected or indicted by the COI white paper must have quick and unfettered access to justice to make their appeal. Its the only way we can all have trust in the process.

SIERRA LEONE GOVERNMENT White Paper
ON THE REPORT OF THE HON. SIR JUSTICE BIOBELE GEORGEWILL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY into the Assets and other related matters in respect of persons who were President, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies within the period from November 2007 to April 2018.

SEPTEMBER, 2020 Volume 1

WHITE PAPER ON THE REPORT OF THE HON. SIR JUSTICE BIOBELE GEORGEWILL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO INTER ALIA EXAMINE THE ASSETS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS IN RESPECT
OF PERSONS WHO WERE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENTS, MINISTERS, MINISTERS OF STATE AND DEPUTY MINISTERS; AND HEADS AND CHAIRMEN OF BOARDS OF PARASTATALS, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES WITHIN THE PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 2007 TO APRIL 2018.
1. The SLPP New Direction Government in its commitment and desire to eradicate corruption, mismanagement and indiscipline in the affairs of government, as well as the recovery of all State assets and properties acquired through unexplained wealth and unjust enrichment, by Constitutional Instrument No. 64 of 2018 published in the Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette Vol. CXLIX, No. 65 dated 1st August, 2018, instituted the Commission of Inquiry (Examination, Inquiry and Investigation) Notice (1), 2018 with Hon. Sir Justice Biobele Georgewill as Chairman and Sole Commissioner in order to:-
a) examine the assets and other related matters in respect of-
(i) persons who were President, Vice President, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and
(ii) Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies within the period from November 2007 to April 2018
b) Inquire into and investigate whether assets were acquired lawfully or unlawfully; c) inquire into-
(i) persons who were President, Vice President, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and
(ii) Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies;
d) ascertain as to whether the persons referred to in sub paragraphs (a) to (c) –
(i) maintained a standard of life above that which was commensurate to their official emoluments;
(ii) owned or were in control of pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to their official emoluments or there are evidence of corruption, dishonesty or abuse of office for private benefit by them;
(iii) collaborated with any person in respect of such corruption, dishonesty or abuse of office;
(iv) acted wilfully or complacently in such a manner so as to cause financial loss or damage to the government, local authority or parastatal including a public corporation;
(v) acquired directly or indirectly financial or material gains fraudulently, improperly or wilfully to the detriment of the government, local authority or a parastatal including a public corporation, statutory Commission, body or any university
e) to inquire into and investigate any persons or matters as may from time to time referred to the Commission by his Excellency the President.
2. The Commission has submitted its Report on the assets and other related matters in respect of persons who were President, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies within the period from November 2007 to April 2018 and Government has since reviewed the Report and recommendations therein.
3. Government wishes to reiterate its commitment in the fight against corruption and public malfeasance as well as restoring decency, accountability, transparency and good government in the administration of our country.
4. Accordingly, it is hoped that public officers would learn from the findings of the Commissions of Inquiry.

Chapter Two
Investigation into the Ebola Response
Government notes the Commission’s findings (2.5, p38) on Miatta Kargbo; Madina S. Rahman; Alfred Palo Conteh; Dr. Donald Bash Taqi; and Steven Gaojia as they “… were involved in gross abuse of their offices in the reckless manner in which they dealt with the finances of the Government under their care and failure to provide leadership and supervision of the Ministry or Department or Agency put under their charge”, resulting in the misappropriation of Le85, 239, 738, 225. 94 and USD2, 471, 993. 41. This money remain unaccounted for between the EOC/Ministry of Health and Sanitation; NERC, and their several Collaborators. For instance, BDO received Le316, 501, 686, 207. 99, out of which the sum of Le293, 103, 937, 677. 71 was spent on approvals by Alfred Palo Conteh as CEO of NERC for payments, leaving a balance of Le23, 397, 748, 530. 28 which has remained unaccounted for. Also, there were supporting documents for only Le1, 964,950,000.00 of US$360,000.00 paid to sea freight of 4 Ambulances and the balance has remained unaccounted for by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. In addition, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation paid the sum of US$6, 000, 000. 00 without supporting documents. Mr. Steven Gaoji also insisted that Le7, 000, 000, 000. 00 and US$1, 183, 000.00 were withdrawn by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation but was not accounted for by NERC. Further, that a total of 254 Vehicles and Motorbikes Out of the 702 Vehicles remain unaccounted for by NERC.
Government accepts recommendations 1-6
1. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le33, 643, 447, 070. 00 and USD1, 050, 000. 00 that were misappropriated and or had remained unaccounted for, namely: i. Miatta Kargbo; ii. Madinah Rahman; iii. Dr. Donald Bash – Taqi; iv. Charles Mambu, and v. Mohammed Paul Kamara of Kingdom Security and Logistics Limited.
2. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le50, 955, 471, 155. 95 and USD1, 183, 000. 00 that were misappropriated and or had remained unaccounted for, namely: i. Alfred Palo Conteh, and ii. Steven Gaojia.
3. i. Alfred Palo Conteh, ii. Steve Gaojia and iii. Omaru Badara Sisay shall produce and hand over to the Government of Sierra Leone the total number of 254 vehicles and motorbikes that were not handed over to Office of National Security at the folding up of NERC.
4. Splash Mobile Communications shall refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le640, 819, 999. 99 hazard allowances which it has failed to refund till date.
5. Samuel Abayomi Noldred and his Firm, BDO shall refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of USD52, 347. 55 being outstanding balance from the Ebola response fund it has failed to transfer to IHPAU.
6. Alpha Umaru Jalloh, Head of IHPAU unit of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and his finance team headed by Ayodele Martyn shall refund the sum of USD186, 645. 86 transferred to them by BDO which had remained unaccounted for as spent on bogus operation cost of IHPAU.
Government accepts recommendation 7. However, Government directs that all amounts due and recommended to be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone shall be done within 90 days from the date of the publication of the Report together with this White Paper.
7. All amounts due and recommended to be refunded shall be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within 30 days from the date of the ratification of the recommendations by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Government notes recommendation 8 having regard to its response to recommendation 7 above.
8. In the event of failure or neglect or refusal to make the refunds and payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within the 30 days period by any one as indicted above, the Government shall use all lawful means to confiscate all monies standing to the credit of any of the indicted persons in any bank accounts and properties, movable and immovable, including houses, vehicles, stocks belonging to any of the indicted persons for the purposes of selling them to recover the said amounts.
Government rejects recommendation 9 as it tends to distract from the object of the Commission of Inquiry. The focus of Government is to recover the people’s money and not to restrain anybody from political participation.
9. The following former public officials: i. Miatta Kargbo, ii. Madina S. Rahman, iii. Alfred Palo Conteh, iv. Dr. Donald Bash Taqi, and v. Steven Gaojia, be barred from holding any public offices on subvention or howsoever funded by the Government of Sierra Leone for a period of Five Years from the date of acceptance of this recommendation by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Chapter Three
Investigation into the Granting of Unsecured Credits to Politically Exposed Persons by Sierra Leone Commercial Bank between November 2007 and Aril 2018
Government notes the Commission’s findings (3.5, p47) on i. Idrissa Alooma Kamara, ii. Tapsiru Lamin Dainkeh, iii. Abu Kamara, iv. Winstanley Bankole Johnson, v. Crispin Deigh, vi. George Carl Taylor, vii. Idrissa Amadu Kamara and all former Chairmen of the Board and Managing Directors of the SLCB. The Commission found, among other things, that Crispin Deigh, a former Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank from February 2008 – June 2013 “… was grossly negligent in the performance of his duty and failed to put his authority as the Managing Director to proper and diligent use…” For instance, he deliberately abdicated his supervision responsibilities of his subordinates who “… recklessly granted several unsecured loans to politically exposed persons and also to businesses owned by politically exposed persons” resulting into huge debt burden of Le7, 100, 159, 352. 29. Mr Deigh did admit under clarifications by the Commission that “… he takes the blame for the unpaid unsecured loans granted to a customer previously owing the bank…”
Government accepts recommendations 1-3
1. As a deterrent and lesson for present Bank Officials in Sierra Leone to exercise utmost caution and due diligence when dealing with funds of shareholders and customers in their custody on issues of unsecured loans and credits, Mr. Crispin Deigh, a former Managing Director of SLCB from February 2008 – June 2013 shall pay 0.05% of the outstanding amounts on the debts due from African Sunshine Co. Ltd, Le3, 071,153,464.26 amounting to Le1, 535, 576. 00; 0.15% of the debts due from Club Tourism and Entertainment Ltd,
Le247, 374,225.47 amounting to Le371, 061. 00 and the 0.10% of the debts due from West Africa Trading Company, Le497, 798,843.00 amounting to Le497, 798. 00.
2. Following from the above, Mr. Crispin Deigh shall pay the total sum of Le2, 404, 435. 00 to the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank as his contribution towards the liquidations of the above outstanding debts arising from his lack of supervision and negligence in the course of his duty.
3. All the Directors of the Companies as well as all the individuals indicted above shall pay to the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank all the due outstanding debts less the amounts apportioned to be paid by Mr. Crispin Deigh in paragraph 3.6.1 above
Government accepts recommendation 4. However, Government directs that all amounts due and recommended to be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone shall be done within 90 days from the date of the publication of the Report together with this White Paper.
4. All amounts due and recommended to be paid to the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank as above shall be paid to the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank within 30 days from the date of the ratification of the recommendations by the Government of Sierra Leone
Government notes recommendation 5 having regard to its response to recommendation 4 above.
5. In the event of failure or neglect or refusal to make the said payments within the 30 days period, the Government shall use all lawful means to confiscate all monies standing to the credits of any of the indicted persons or businesses in any bank accounts and the properties, movable and immovable, including houses, vehicles and stocks belonging to any of the indicted persons or businesses and persons of interest for the purposes of selling them to recover the said amounts.
Chapter Four
Investigation into the Youth in Drainage Projects of the Ministry of Youth Affairs between November 2007 and April 2018
Government notes the Commission’s findings (4.5, p56) on Alimamy Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; and iii. Rev. Ibrahim Koroma as well as their collaborators as being responsible acts of corruption, maladministration and lack of accountability. The Commission found, among other things, that huge amounts were withdrawn without supporting documents or verification and had remained unaccounted for. For instance, the 2008 real time audit revealed that Le1, 374, 403, 316. 00 has remained unverified. Other payments were made without any supporting documents or verification amounting to Le4, 889,300,000.00. Also, that contracts amounting to Le8, 762, 540, 478. 00 were awarded without due procurement processes or were done on restricted basis. In sum, the Commission found that corruption, maladministration and lack of accountability led to the misappropriation of Le19, 812, 340, 478. 00. Also, that the Le804, 000, 000. 00 paid to Masada Waste Management Company by RMFA as administrative cost was “without any basis and thus unjustified”.
Government accepts recommendations 1-5
1. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le16, 652, 200, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for and unverified, namely: i. Alimamy Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; and iii. Rev. Ibrahim Koroma.
2. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le500, 000, 000. 00 that was given out to Union of Musicians All Stars without any justification and outside the core mandate of the Youth in Drainage project, namely: i. Bai Mamud Bangura, ii. Adikali Samura and iii. Milton Koker
3. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le150, 000, 000. 00 that was given out to Music for Girls without any justification and outside the core mandate of the Youth in Drainage project, namely: i. Bai Mamud Bangura; ii. Adikali Samura and ii. Esther Michael.
4. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le2, 510, 140, 478. 00 that was recklessly given out to Minkailu Mansaray of Street Life Family without any justification and without any documentation and verification of its use, namely: i. Bai Mamud Bangura, ii. Adikali Samura and iii. Minkailu Mansaray
5. The Masada Waste Management Company SL Lt. of Works Yard, 2 Blackhall Road, Cline Town, Freetown, shall refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le804, 000, 000. 00 that was paid to it as administrative cost without any valid or reasonable justification.
Government accepts recommendation 6. However, Government directs that all amounts due and recommended to be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone shall be done within 90 days from the date of the publication of the Report together with this White Paper.
6. All amounts due and recommended to be refunded shall be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within 30 days from the date of the ratification of the recommendations by the Government of Sierra Leone
Government notes recommendation 7 having regard to its response to recommendation 6 above.
7. In the event of failure or neglect or refusal to make the refunds and payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone by any one as indicted above, the Government shall use all lawful means to confiscate all monies standing to the credits of any of the indicted persons or businesses in any bank account and the properties, movable and immovable, including houses, vehicles and stocks belonging to any of the indicted persons or businesses for the purposes of selling them to recover the said amounts.
Government rejects recommendation 8 as it tends to distract from the object of the Commission of Inquiry. The focus of Government is to recover the people’s money and not to restrain anybody from political participation.

8. The following former public officials, Alimamy Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; and iii. Rev. Ibrahim Koroma, be barred from holding any public offices on subvention or howsoever funded by the Government of Sierra Leone for a period of Five Years from the date of acceptance of this recommendation by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Chapter Five
Investigation into the National Youth Farm of the Ministry of Youth Affairs between November 2007 and April 2018
Government notes the Commission’s findings (5.5, p64) on i. Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamoud Bangura; and iii. Mustapha Turay and their collaborators. The Commission found, among other things that acts of impropriety, corruption, maladministration, abuse of public office, diversion of public funds and lack of accountability by these persons and their collaborators led to the misappropriation of huge sums of monies to the State. For instance, a contract for the supply of farm equipment valued at USD950 000. 00 was awarded to West Star General Supplies Ltd but without any supporting documents or any verified supply of any farm equipment. The National Youth Farm project received Le2, 222, 605,000. 00 but only the meager amount of Le623, 071, 500 was actually spent on the project and verified, thus leaving it “in a comatose stage”. Also, that Le578, 044, 000. 00 were withdrawn or disbursed without supporting documents and had remained unverified and unaccounted for. In addition, only Le247, 000, 000. 00 was paid out to the land owing families of the National Youth Farm at Masalia out of the compensation of Le750,
000, 000. 00. Further, only the meager sum of Le623, 071, 500 was actually spent. In sum, Le1, 599, 533, 000. 000 was misappropriated and has remained unaccounted for.
Government accepts recommendations 1-5
1. The following persons should be referred to the Criminal Jurisdiction and or the Anti – Corruption Commission for further investigation and likely prosecution for the award of contract valued at USD950, 000. 00 without any supporting document to confirm its authenticity and verification of the supply of farm equipment to the National Youth Farm project: i. Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamoud Bangura; and iii. Directors of West Star General Supplies Ltd.
2. The followings persons should be handed over to the Anti – Corruption Commission for immediate prosecution for fraudulently converting the sum of Le503, 000, 000. 00 out of the compensation sum of Le750, 000, 000. 00 due payable to the three land owning families of the National Youth Farm Land at Masalia, namely: i. Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; iii. Mustapha Turay and iv. Anthony Khanu.
3. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the consolidated revenue fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le1, 335, 234, 000. 00 that had remained unverified and unaccounted for, namely: i. Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; iii. Mustapha Turay and iv. Anthony Kanu.
4. Mr. Mustapha Turay, the Project Manager of the National Youth Farm project shall personally refund and pay into the consolidated revenue fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le45, 730, 000. 00 he admitted that had been misappropriated under his charge.
5. Mr. Anthony Khanu, the Finance Officer of the National Youth Farm project shall personally refund and pay into the consolidated revenue fund the sum of Le218, 569, 500. 00 monies withdrawn by him without supporting documents and or authorization.
Government accepts recommendation 6. However, Government directs that all amounts due and recommended to be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone shall be done within 90 days from the date of the publication of the Report together with this White Paper.
6. All amounts due and recommended to be refunded shall be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within 30 days from the date of the ratification of the recommendations by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Government notes recommendation 7 having regard to its response to recommendation 6 above.
7. In the event of failure or neglect or refusal to make the refunds and payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within the 30 days period by any one as indicted above, the Government shall use all lawful means to confiscate all monies standing to the credit of any of the indicted persons and the properties, movable and immovable, including houses, vehicles or stock belonging to any of the indicted persons for the purposes of selling them to recover the said amounts.
Government rejects recommendation 8 as it tends to distract from the object of the Commission of Inquiry. The focus of Government is to recover the people’s money and not to restrain anybody from political participation.
8. The following former public officials: i. Alimamy A. Kamara; II. Bai Mamud Bangura, and iii. Mustapha Turay, be barred from holding any public offices on subvention or howsoever funded by the Government of Sierra Leone for a period of Five Years from the date of acceptance of this recommendation by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Chapter Six
Investigation into the Youth in Fisheries Project of the Ministry of Youth Affairs between November 2007 and April 2018
Government notes the Commission’s findings (6.5, p71) on i. Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; iii. Mohammed Kamara; iv. Hon Amadu Kanu; v. Hon Kemokah Conteh; and vi. Hon Abdulkareem Kamara and their collaborators. The Commission found, among other things that “there was complete lack of financial discipline and control”. There was no evidence of release of USD2, 789, 011. 56 by the National Youth Commission as counterpart funding to this project.
Also, that the procurement of 40 boats and accessories from the grant of USD500, 000. 00 from Prince Alwadi of Saudi Arabia were not with adequate supporting document of delivery of the said boats. In addition, that out of 30 boats contracted to Al-Umar Ventures to supply costing Le2, 456, 010, 000 only 15 boats were supplied and verified.
Furthermore, contracts were awarded contrary to procurement regulations. For instance, contract awarded to Group Delta Log Ltd for supplies of vehicles and pickups costing USD277, 000, 000. 00 was done by restrictive bidding and the said supplies have remained unverified and unaccounted for. In all, this malfeasance led to the misappropriation of i. Le2, 721, 565, 499. 00 and ii. USD277, 000. 00.
Government accepts recommendations 1-8
1. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le390, 000, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for, namely: i. Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; and iii. Mohammed Kamara.
2. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of USD277, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for, namely: Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; iii. Mohammed Kamara; and iv. Desmond Decker of Group Delta Log Ltd.
3. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le1, 228, 005, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for, namely: Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; iii. Mohammed Kamara and iv. Alpha Umar Barrie of Al – Umar Ventures.
4. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le584, 225, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for, namely: Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; iii. Mohammed Kamara; and iv. Sahr James of Sahr James Trading Enterprises.
5. The Project Manager, Mohammed Kamara, shall personally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le518, 777, 380. 00 that were unverified and had remained unaccounted for.
6. The Project Manager, Mohammed Kamara, shall return the three laptops or refund and pay into the consolidated revenue fund the cost of three laptops that had remained unaccounted for.
7. The three Honorable members of Parliament, Hon Amadu Kanu, Hon Kemokah Conteh and Hon Abdulkareem Kamara shall each refund the loans or cost of the boats given out to them by this project that had not been repaid.
8. The following matters and persons shall be referred to the Criminal Jurisdiction and or Anti – Corruption Commission for investigation and likely prosecution:
a. The grant of USD500, 000. 00 from Prince Alwadi of Saudi Arabia as to how it was spent and those to be investigated are: i. Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; and iii.
Mohammed Kamara;
b. The sum of USD2, 789, 011. 56 the counterpart fund from National Youth Commission as to whether it was taken out of the account of the National Youth Commission but not paid over to the Ministry of Youth Affairs for this project or was so released and had remained unaccounted for and those to be investigated are: i. The Chairman of the National Youth Commission between 2013 and 2017, ii. Alimamy A. Kamara; iii. Bai Mamud Bangura; and iv. Mohammed Kamara
Government accepts recommendation 9. However, Government directs that all amounts due and recommended to be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone shall be done within 90 days from the date of the publication of the Report together with this White Paper.
9. All amounts due and recommended to be refunded shall be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within 30 days from the date of the ratification of the recommendations by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Government notes recommendation 10 having regard to its response to recommendation 9 above.
10. In the event of failure or neglect or refusal to make the refunds and payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within the 30 days period by any one as indicted above, the Government shall use all lawful means to confiscate any monies standing to the credit of any of the indicted persons or businesses in any bank account and the properties, movable and immovable, including houses, vehicles and stock belonging to any of the indicted persons or businesses for the purposes of selling them to recover the said amounts.
Government rejects recommendation 11 as it tends to distract from the object of the Commission of Inquiry. The focus of Government is to recover the people’s money and not to restrain anybody from political participation.
11. The following former public officials: i. Alimamy A. Kamara; ii. Bai Mamud Bangura; and iii. Mohammed Kamara, be barred from holding any public offices on subvention or howsoever funded by the Government of Sierra Leone for a period of Five Years from the date of acceptance of this recommendation by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Chapter Seven
Investigation into the National Youth Village Project of the Ministry of Youth Affairs between November 2007 and April 2018
Government notes the Commission’s findings (7.5, p79) on i. Alimamy A. Kamara, ii. Bai Mamud Bangura, iii. Dr. Serry Kamara and their collaborators. The Commission found, among other things that “in all the existence of the National Youth Village, no one single youth was trained or benefitted anything from the project despite the huge amount of Le4, 376,925,174.10 released to the project by the Government of Sierra Leone”. Also, that “on payment of compensation for the land at Kabala, out of the Le1, 000, 000, 000. 00 due payable to the Community, the sum of Le300, 000, 000. 00 was collected on the instruction of Bai Mamud Bangura”. Further, that contracts were awarded contrary to procurement regulations and supporting documents or verification have remained unaccounted to the tune of Le466, 217, 250. 00. Accordingly, that acts of impropriety and corruption led to the misappropriation of Le2, 207, 818, 212. 10
Government accepts recommendations 1-3
1. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le300, 000, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for, namely: i. Bai Mamud Bangura, and ii. Dr. Serry Idris Kamara. 2. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the following amounts were unverified and had remained unaccounted for:
a. The sum of Le243, 000, 000. 00 by i. Bullom Construction and General Services Ltd, ii. Alimamy A. Kamara, iii. Bai Mamud Bangura, and iv. Dr. Serry Idriss Kamara.
b. The sum of Le56, 050, 000. 00 by i. Lawrence Bia Sl. Ltd, ii. Alimamy A. Kamara, iii. Bai Mamud Bangura, and iv. Dr. Serry Idriss Kamara.
c. The sum of Le56, 050, 000. 00 by Afwen Ltd, ii. Alimamy A. Kamara, iii. Bai Mamud Bangura, and iv. Dr. Serry Idriss Kamara.
d. The sum of Le56, 449, 000. 00 by Godstime Enterprises, ii. Alimamy A. Kamara, iii. Bai Mamud Bangura, and iv. Dr. Serry Idriss Kamara.
e. The sum of Le54, 668, 250. 00 by M. K. General Construction Ltd, ii. Alimamy A. Kamara, iii. Bai Mamud Bangura, and iv. Dr. Serry Kamara.
e. The sum of Le401, 926, 750. 00 by i. Dr. Serry Idriss Kamara, and ii. Massaio Mansaray. 3. The following matter and persons shall be referred to the Criminal Jurisdiction and or Anti – Corruption Commission for investigation and likely prosecution for the collection of Le300, 000, 000. 00, out of the Le1, 000, 000, 000. 00 compensation due payable to the land owning community of the National Youth Village farm land at Kabala and those to be investigated are: i. Bai Mamud Bangura; ii Dr. Serry Idriss Kamara, and ii. Massaio Mansaray.
Government accepts recommendation 4. However, Government directs that all amounts due and recommended to be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone shall be done within 90 days from the date of the publication of the Report together with this White Paper.

4. All amounts due and recommended to be refunded shall be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within 30 days from the date of the ratification of the recommendations by the Government of Sierra Leone
Government notes recommendation 5 having regard to its response to recommendation 4 above.
5. In the event of failure or neglect or refusal to make the refunds and payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within the 30 days period by any one as indicted above, the Government shall use all lawful means to confiscate any money standing to the credit of any of the indicted persons or businesses in any bank account and the properties, movable and immovable, including houses, vehicles and stock belonging to any of the indicted persons or businesses for the purposes of selling them to recover the said amounts.
Government rejects recommendation 6 as it tends to distract from the object of the Commission of Inquiry. The focus of Government is to recover the people’s money and not to restrain anybody from political participation.
6. The following former public officials: i. Alimamy A. Kamara, ii. Bai Mamud Bangura, and iii. Dr. Serry Idriss Kamara, be barred from holding any public offices on subvention or howsoever funded by the Government of Sierra Leone for a period of Five Years from the date of acceptance of this recommendation by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Chapter Eight
Investigation into the Activities of the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources between November 2007 and April 2018
Government notes the Commission’s findings (8.5, p94) on i. Minkailu Mansaray; ii. Abdul Ignosis Koroma; iii. Dr. Samura Kamara; iv. Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha; v. Sahr Wonday, John Bonoh Sisay and their collaborators. The Commission found, among other things, that the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, as well as the National Mineral Agency (NMA), were some of the “cash – cows of unbridled and mindless corruption”. From 2013 – 2017, the huge sum of Le63, 000, 000, 000. 00, and USD2, 762, 018. 00 were generated and retained by the NMA, contrary to the provisions of Section 18 of the NMA Act 2012, which said money was misappropriated. For instance, “the sum of Le11, 499, 110, 000. 00 reserved to be paid to Koryadu community where the 706 Carat Peace Diamond was discovered, out of which the sum of Le2, 691, 523, 205. 00 have been paid to Guogi Construction Company for provision of amenities in Koryadu, but no evidence of such projects was produced for verification”. Also, withdrawals and expenditures totaling the sum of Le27, 057, 906, 078. 00 and USD142, 734. 16 were neither supported nor authorized and had remained unaccounted for. In addition, funds generated totaling the sum of Le23, 058, 797, 339. 84 and USD4, 803, 641. 00 were transferred without any record in the cash book of the NMA or traced to the Cadastral system.
On Sierra Rutile Company SL Ltd, the Commission notes that in 2012, Sierra Leone’s shares in the said Company were secretly sold for USD12, 000, 000. 00. during tenure Dr. Samura Kamara without authority.
Government accepts recommendations 1-18
1. The followings persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le19, 905, 145, 053. 00 and
USD142, 734. 16 that had remained unaccounted for, namely: i. Minkailu Mansaray; ii. Abdul Ignosis Koroma; iii. Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha; and iv. Sahr Wonday,
2. Sahr Wonday shall personally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le240, 000, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for by him as end of service benefit received by him whilst still in service of the NMA.
3. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le3, 011. 109, 840. 00 that had remained unaccounted for as payments for contracts awarded without due procurement processes, namely: i. Sahr Wonday; ii. Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha; iii. Agibbs Construction Enterprises; iv. Gougi Construction Ltd.
4. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le9, 655, 732, 489. 00 and USD225, 608. 00 that had remained unaccounted for as money transferred by NMA to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources without authority: i. Minkailu Mansaray; ii. Abdul Ignosis Koroma; iii. Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha
5. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated
Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le13, 403, 064, 850. 00 and USD4, 578, 033. 00 that had remained unaccounted for: i. Sahr Wonday; and ii. Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha
6. Sahr Wonday shall personally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le125, 385, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for.
7. The following persons shall refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le7, 152, 761, 025. 00 that had remained unaccounted for as money withdrawn from the Mines Monitoring Officers Fund and spent without any supporting document and verification: i. Sahr Wonday; and ii.Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha.
8. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le2, 990. 197, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for, namely: i. Minkailu Mansaray; ii. Abdul Ignosis Koroma; iii. Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha; and iv. Sahr Wonday,
9. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le2, 938, 362, 542. 81 that had remained unaccounted for, namely: i. Minkailu Mansaray; ii. Abdul Ignosis Koroma; iii. Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha; and iv. Sahr Wonday,
10. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le820, 000, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for as money paid to Kenema from Rutile account without any supporting documents: i. Minkailu Mansaray; ii. Abdul Ignosis Koroma; iii. Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha; and iv. Sahr Wonday.
11. Sahr Wonday shall personally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le687, 986, 950. 00 and USD788, 374. 00 that had remained unaccounted for.
12. Sahr Wonday shall personally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le106, 100, 000. 00 and USD74, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for.
13. Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha shall personally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le700, 150, 000. 00 that had remained unaccounted for as money withdrawn and invested in treasure bills and bonds without authorization.
14. The Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources within the period under review shall personally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le48, 105, 000. 000 that had remained unaccounted for as money collected by him for Chiefdoms without authorization.
15. Sahr Wonday shall personally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le247, 175, 632. 00 that had remained unaccounted for as money spent in excess of budgetary approvals.
16. The amounts standing in credit in the Rehabilitation Account shall be ascertained and since it is not being used for any purpose be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone.
17. Mr. Jubril Kabba, former Project Officer shall immediately return to the NMA the properties of the NMA carted away by him, namely: Canon Photocopier, Fans and Computers.
18. On Sierra Rutile Company SL Ltd:
a. In view of the secrecy and shady dealings leading to the sale of the shares of the Government of Sierra Leone in the Sierra Rutile SL Ltd, such a deal involving such huge National assets of Sierra Leone cannot be carried out without some form of executive clearance from the Office of the President.
b. The issue of the illegal deals leading to the alleged sale of Government shares in Sierra Rutile Company SL Ltd, together with the following persons involved, should be referred to the Criminal Jurisdiction and or Anti – Corruption Commission for thorough criminal investigations and likely prosecution, namely: i. H. E. Dr Ernest Bai Koroma; ii. Dr. Samura Kamara; and iii. John Bonoh Sisay.
Government accepts recommendation 19. However, Government directs that all amounts due and recommended to be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone shall be done within 90 days from the date of the publication of the Report together with this White Paper.
19. All amounts due and recommended to be refunded shall be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within 30 days from the date of the ratification of the recommendations by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Government notes recommendation 20 having regard to its response to recommendation 19 above.
20. In the event of failure or neglect or refusal to make the refunds and payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within the 30 days period by any one as indicted above, the Government shall use all lawful means to confiscate all monies standing to the credits of any of the indicted persons or businesses in any bank account and the properties, movable and immovable, including houses and vehicle and stocks belonging to any of the indicted persons or businesses for the purposes of selling them to recover the said amounts.
Government rejects recommendation 21 as it tends to distract from the object of the Commission of Inquiry. The focus of Government is to recover the people’s money and not to restrain anybody from political participation.
21. The following former public officials: Minkailu Mansaray; ii. Abdul Ignosis Koroma; iii. Dr. Samura Kamara; iv. Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha; and v. Sahr Wonday, and their collaborator, John Bonoh Sisay, be barred from holding any public offices on subvention or howsoever funded by the Government of Sierra Leone for a period of Five Years from the date of acceptance of this recommendation by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Chapter Nine
Investigation into the Activities of the Petroleum Directorate between November 2007 and April 2018
Government notes the Commission’s findings (9.5, p108) on H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma; ii. Raymond Kargbo; iii. Emmanuel Beresford Oshoba Coker; iv. Karefa Kargbo; v. Momodu L. Kargbo; vi. Dr. Michael S. Kargbo; vii. Dr. Kaifala Marah and their collaborators. The Commission found, among others, acts of impropriety, misappropriation, corruption, gross abuse of office and maladministration. That the reckless manner in which the persons in question dealt with the finances of the Government under their care and failure to provide leadership led to the loss of the total amount of i. Le72, 254, 506, 000. 00; and ii. USD15, 413, 821. 00. For instance, the former President approved the total rent of USD550, 000. 00 paid for four years on “Emmanshola House” owned by Emmanuel Beresford Oshoba Coker and his wife, in excess by USD150, 000. 00 over the budgetary approval of USD100, 000. 00 per annum on rental of office space for the Petroleum Directorate. Also, only the sum of Le40, 000, 000, 000. 00 was transferred from all the monies due from the Petroleum Directorate into the Treasury Single Account, leaving the huge sum of Le66, 278, 837, 000.00 unaccounted for.
In addition, the Commission found that in order to circumvent the provisions of the Fiscal Management Act 2017, staff of the Petroleum Directorate were illegally and unlawfully paid terminal benefits amounting to Le6, 175, 669, 000. 00 while still in service. Moreover, the former President irregularly approved a loan to SMRT Co. Ltd for the supply of Biometrics Machines amounting to the huge sum of USD3, 000, 000. 00 and the said loan has remained unpaid.
Furthermore, the recapitalization loan of USD14, 000, 000. 00 approved by the former President to Rokel Commercial Bank and given through the National Commission for Privatization was most irregular and the balance of USD12, 263, 821. 00 has remained unpaid since 2015.
Government accepts recommendations 1-5
1. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le70, 294, 264, 523. 00 that had remained unaccounted for as monies not transferred to the single treasury account in 2017 and monies paid out illegally as terminal benefits to staff whilst still in the service of the Petroleum Directorate: i. H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma; ii. Raymond Kargbo; iii. Karefa
Kargbo;
2. Mr. Raymond Kargbo shall personally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le2, 160, 241, 477 that had remained unaccounted for as monies paid out illegally to him as terminal benefits whilst he was still in service as the Director General of the Petroleum Directorate.
3. Mr. Emmanuel Beresford Oshoba Coker shall personally refund and pay into the
Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of USD150, 000.
00 paid to him and his wife as rent on the “Emmanshola House” by the Petroleum Directorate in excess of its budgetary approvals.
4. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of USD3, 000, 000. 00 that had remained not refunded as monies given out illegally as loan by the Petroleum Directorate through the Ministry of Finance to SMRT Co. Ltd for supply of Biometrics Machines: i. H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma; ii. Momodu L. Kargbo; iii. Raymond Kargbo; iv. SMRT Co. Ltd.
5. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of USD12, 263, 821. 00 that had remained not refunded as monies given out illegally as loan by the Petroleum Directorate through the National Commission for Privatization to Rokel Commercial Bank:
i. H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma; ii. Dr. Michael Kargbo; iii. Raymond Kargbo; iv. Dr. Kaifela Marah; v. Mr. Momodu L. Kargbo; and vi. Rokel Commercial Bank.
Government accepts recommendation 6. However, Government directs that all amounts due and recommended to be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone shall be done within 90 days from the date of the publication of the Report together with this White Paper.

6. All amounts due and recommended to be refunded shall be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within 30 days from the date of the ratification of the recommendations by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Government notes recommendation 7 having regard to its response to recommendation 6 above.
7. In the event of failure or neglect or refusal to make the refunds and payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within the 30 days period by any one as indicted above, the Government shall use all lawful means to confiscate all monies standing to the credit of any of the indicted persons or business in any bank account and the properties, movable and immovable, including houses and vehicles and stocks belonging to the indicted persons or business for the purposes of selling them to recover the said amounts.
Government rejects recommendation 8 as it tends to distract from the object of the Commission of Inquiry. The focus of Government is to recover the people’s money and not to restrain anybody from political participation.
8. The following former public officials: i. H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma; ii. Raymond Kargbo; iii. Emmanuel Beresford Oshoba Coker; iv. Karefa Kargbo; v. Momodu L. Kargbo; vi. Dr. Michael S. Kargbo; and vii. Dr. Kaifala Marah, be barred from holding any public offices on subvention or howsoever funded by the Government of Sierra Leone for a period of Five Years from the date of acceptance of this recommendation by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Government notes recommendation 9 having regard to its response to recommendation 8 above.
9. However, it is recommended that a Presidential Pardon or Amnesty be granted to H. E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, being a former Presdient of Sierra Leone in respect of only the recommendation for his ban for five years for abuse of office.
Chapter Ten
Investigation into the Activities of the Ministry of Trade and Industry between November 2007 and April 2018
Government notes the Commission’s findings (10.5, p116) on i. Captain Momodu A. Pat – Sowe; ii. Alhaji Usman Boie Kamara; iii. Dr. Richard Conteh; iv. Ibrahim W. Mansaray; v. Sannah Marah, vi. Raymond K. Gbekie, and their collaborators. The Commission found, among other things that most of the procurement processes did not follow due process. Further, that there “was complete lack of financial discipline and control in the Ministry of Trade and Industry”. For example, the sum of Le2, 429, 843, 000. 000.00 remain unaccounted for out of the proceeds of the sale of the Japanese Food Aid. Also, of the Le16, 200, 000, 000. 00 given out as loans to SMEs, only the sum of Le4, 800, 000, 000. 00 has been repaid, leaving the total balance sum of Le11, 400, 000, 000. 00 remain unaccounted for. Cumulatively, the Commission found Le16, 008, 534, 574. 00 were misappropriated and remain unaccounted for.
Government accepts recommendations 1-6
1. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone the sum of Le2, 429, 843, 000. 00 as monies from the proceeds of the Japanese food aid not paid into the bank account and had remained unaccounted for, namely: i. Captain Momodu A. Pat – Sowe; ii. Alhaji Usman Boie Kamara; iii. Dr. Richard Conteh; iv. Ibrahim W. Mansaray; v. Sannah Marah;
2. The following persons shall jointly and severally refund and pay into the Consoli

SIERRA LEONE GOVERNMENT White Paper
ON THE REPORT OF THE HON. MR. JUSTICE WILLIAM ANNAN ATUGUBA
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
into the Assets and other related matters in respect of persons who
were President, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and Heads and Chairmen of Boards of
Parastatals, Departments and Agencies within the period from November 2007 to April 2018.

SEPTEMBER, 2020 Volume 2

WHITE PAPER ON THE REPORT OF THE HON. MR. JUSTICE WILLIAM ANNAN ATUGUBA COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO, INTER ALIA, EXAMINE THE ASSETS AND OTHER RELATED
MATTERS IN RESPECT OF PERSONS WHO WERE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENTS, MINISTERS, MINISTERS OF STATE AND DEPUTY MINISTERS; AND HEADS AND CHAIRMEN OF BOARDS OF PARASTATALS, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES WITHIN THE PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 2007 TO APRIL 2018.
1. The SLPP New Direction Government in its commitment and desire to eradicate corruption, mismanagement and indiscipline in the affairs of government, as well as the recovery of all State assets and properties acquired through unexplained wealth and unjust enrichment, by
Constitutional Instrument No. 67 of 2018 published in the Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette Vol. CXLIX, No. 76 dated 27th September, 2018, instituted the Commission of Inquiry (Examination, Inquiry and Investigation) Notice (3), 2018 with Hon. Mr. Justice William Annan
Atuguba as Chairman and Sole Commissioner in order to:-
a) examine the assets and other related matters in respect of-
(i) persons who were President, Vice President, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and
(ii) Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies within the period from November 2007 to April 2018
b) Inquire into and investigate whether assets were acquired lawfully or unlawfully; c) inquire into-
(i) persons who were President, Vice President, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and
(ii) Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies;

d) ascertain as to whether the persons referred to in sub paragraphs (a) to (c) –
(i) maintained a standard of life above that which was commensurate to their official emoluments;
(ii) owned or were in control of pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to their official emoluments or there are evidence of corruption, dishonesty or abuse of office for private benefit by them;
(iii) collaborated with any person in respect of such corruption, dishonesty or abuse of office;
(iv) acted wilfully or complacently in such a manner so as to cause financial loss or damage to the government, local authority or parastatal including a public corporation;
(v) acquired directly or indirectly financial or material gains fraudulently, improperly or wilfully to the detriment of the government, local authority or a parastatal including a public corporation, statutory Commission, body or any university
e) to inquire into and investigate any persons or matters as may from time to time referred to the Commission by his Excellency the President.
2. The Commission has submitted its Report on the assets and other related matters in respect of persons who were President, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies within the period from November 2007 to April 2018 and Government has since reviewed the Report and recommendations therein.
3. Government wishes to reiterate its commitment in the fight against corruption and public malfeasance as well as restoring decency, accountability, transparency and good government in the administration of our country.
4. Accordingly, it is hoped that public officers would learn from the findings of the Commissions of Inquiry.

Assets Investigations: Unexplained Wealth and Unjust Enrichment by Public Officials between November 2007 and April 2018
1. Sylvester Earl Osmond Hanciles, Former Deputy Minister of (a) Energy, (b) Education, Science and Technology and (c) Transport and Aviation, between 21/3/2009 – May 2018.
Government accepts this recommendation:
The Commission found that “that this Person of Interest did not dishonestly acquire any assets or live a life style beyond his legitimate means during his tenure of office.”
2. Ahmed Bakarr Kamara, Former Managing Director, Commerce and Mortgage Bank 17/2/17 – 20/8/2019
Government rejects this recommendation. Government directs the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the assets of Ahmed Bakarr Kamara, and particularly unexplained wealth and unjust enrichment.
The Commission found that this Person of Interest “received huge payments of money in connection with the Commerce and Bank investments in land properties, and this has been dealt with under that part of this Report relating to that matter.”
3. Abdul Aziz Kamara, Former Director-General of Sierra Leone Roads Authority
Government notes that “his total emoluments during his tenure as Le165,807,000.00. This figure, if right, is difficult to reconcile with the statement of his emoluments”. That “since all his financial energies were sapped by the construction of the house at [No. 19 Old Aberdeen Road, Lumley], he had no residue of honest sources from which to acquire the house situate at 21 Old Aberdeen Road, Lumley Freetown.”
Government accepts these recommendations:
In the circumstances I recommend that the other assets of this Person of Interest be scrutinized by another public authority, such as the Anti-Corruption Commission which is not jurisdictionally fettered like this Commission. The evidence regarding his assets as contained in his Exit Declaration Form, exhibit BJ7 contrasts with that on his other Assets Declaration Forms which have been tendered in evidence before this Commission namely exhibits 8 to
10.
However, for the reasons already given above, the house covered by exhibit BJ6, aforementioned was dishonestly acquired by this Person of Interest and should therefore be confiscated and vested in the State.
4. Dr. Matthew M. Teambo, Former Minister of Labour and Social Security
The Commission perused his assets declaration forms and found nothing questionable. The Commission also “examined his salary details which can amply justify his acquisition of the properties referred to above.”
Government accepts this recommendation:
I find nothing dishonest in the affairs of this Person of Interest during his tenure as Minister of Labour.
5. Leonard Balogun Koroma, Former Minister of State in the Office of the VicePresident, November 2007 to November 2009 and Minister of Transport and Aviation, June 2013 to April 2018
The Commission found that this Person of Interest said that he used the US$200,000 derived from the sale of his property at No. 154D Wilkinson Road in 2012 to develop his property at Takoradi Corner, Yengema, Kono, but his affidavit of 8th November, 2019 says that he constructed the said property from 2008 to 2015. What the Commission found perplexing is: “How could the proceeds of the sale in 2012 be used for the cost of construction over the years that preceded 2012 namely 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011?” In addition, he deposed in an affidavit that one AM Bocakarie owns the house at Gbangbayilla, Hill Station from whom he intended buying it and had a site plan and building permit issued in his name. However, he abandoned his intent to purchase it on realizing that the said A.M. Bockarie was a lessee and not owner of the said house. Strangely, he declared this house in his Assets Declaration Form dated 26th October, 2017. The Commission notes that “if he had indeed abandoned this property because the owner thereof was a lessee, how did he erect a flat on it since he says that he only had a site plan and building permit issued in his name at the time that he allegedly abandoned it?”

Government accepts the following recommendations:
From the above analysis I find that this Person of Interest dishonestly acquired the house and land situate at Alshek Drive, Gbangbayilla, Hill Station, Freetown see exhibit BH3 and the house and land at Takoradi Corner, Yengema, Kono and should be confiscated and vested in the State.
As to his pecuniary assets time will not allow this Commission to adequately scrutinize them and same should be dealt with by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Plots of Land
This Person of Interest deposed that during his tenure as a Minister he and his wife purchased an empty plot of land at Lungi which is undeveloped, lease of an empty plot of land at Tokeh,
Western Rural District and a lease of an empty plot of land at Regent, Western Urban District.
Vehicles
The Commission found that this Person of Interest owned 7 private and 1 commercial vehicles. However, this Person of Interest denied having that number of vehicles in his affidavit of 8th November, 2019, stressing that he only owned a grey Toyota Sequoia, a white Jeep Cherokee and a Ford Explorer 2004.
Government accepts this recommendation:
As to his vehicles ownership of which he has denied they should also be confiscated and vested in the State.
Bank Accounts
Inspector Brima Koroma tendered in evidence the Person of Interest’s bank statements from Commerce and Mortgage Bank, Sierra Leone Plc, exhibit BH7 and Guarantee Trust Bank, Sierra Leone exhibit BH8.
Government accepts this recommendation:
Time constraints, aforesaid requires that his other assets referred to above be investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
6. Mohammed King Koroma, Former Statistician General 4th November 2012-30th June, 2017
The Commission found that this Person of Interest has a two-storey building in Freetown and 3 one-flat unfinished dwelling structures at New Port Loko-Rogbere Junction Highway, Magbelelol Village, Maforki Chiefdom, in the Port Loko District. The Commission notes that his total earnings as Statistician General is Le1,512,000,000. However, before that he was a teacher from 1980-1984 from which he earned a total of Le150,000,000.
His acquisition of the two sets of properties commenced only during his tenure as Statistician General. He expended Le2,100,000,000 on the property at New Port Loko-Rogbere Junction Highway, Magbelelol Village, Maforki Chiefdom, in the Port Loko District. Even accepting his own evidence that he spent Le250,000.000 to acquire the property in Freetown, “the acquisition of these properties far exceeded his legitimate income, excluding the purchase price disclosed in respect of the property at New Port Loko-Rogbere Junction Highway”. It is noted that beyond the conveyance in respect of the land at New Port Loko-Rogbere Junction Highway, there is no evidence from the Person of Interest showing the sources of his private income.
Government accepts this recommendation:
From all the above considerations I find that the two sets of property covered by exhibits BK and BK1 were dishonestly acquired by the Person of Interest while he was the Statistician General of Sierra Leone and should be confiscated and vested in the State.
7. Allie Kamara, Former Resident Minister for the North, 2007-2018
Government accepts this recommendation:
Since this matter is also before the Anti-Corruption Commission, the actual period and ramifications of BK20 and BK21 can be ascertained thereof. I however find nothing dishonest about his acquisition of his plot of land covered by exhibit BK22 aforementioned. Indeed, the evidence before this Commission is that the investigators could not locate this property.
8. Abdul Kareem Kalokoh, Former Chief Executive Officer of the Road Maintenance
Fund Administration, January 2015 to July 2018
The Commission notes that the only property discovered belonging to this Person of Interest is a two-storey house located at Juba Hill, Kalokoh Drive, Freetown and was valued at
Le4,985,000,000. The Commission however, found “no grounds to disbelieve his explanation of acquisition of this property even if such acquisition were within his period of tenure as
Chief Executive of the Road Maintenance Fund Administration.”
Government accepts this recommendation:
For all the foregoing reasons I find nothing colourable in the tenure of this Person of Interest in so far as his assets are concerned.
9. Olumiyi Robin-Coker, Former Minister of Energy 2012-2014
Government accepts the following recommendations:
Real Property
The only property revealed by the Commission’s investigators as belonging to this Person of Interest is a piece of land he purchased under a deed of Conveyance, exhibit BJ4 from Ernest A. Webber, dated the 5th day of May 2014, at the cost of Le20,000,000. This however raises no issue of accountability since, as per the statement of his salaries as Minister he earned a net amount of Le375,157,991.00, exhibit BJ18.
Pecuniary Property
A Financial Intelligence Unit Report, exhibit BJ15 and his bank statement from Guaranty Trust Bank exhibit BJ17 were tendered in evidence. Whilst some of the transaction stated in exhibit BJ15 may fall within the Person of Interest’s tenure as a Minister, they are stated in lumped up figures thereby rendering scrutiny thereof by this Commission difficult. Exhibit BJ15 however involves 4 different bank accounts belonging to this Person of Interest and can be of interest to the Anti-Corruption Commission. Exhibit BJ17 however does not raise eyebrows but can be of interest to the Anti-Corruption Commission.
I stress that investigations into the Assets of Persons of Interest were commenced before this Commission at the tail end of this Commissions sittings and therefore could not be gone into in details as regards certain matters specified in this Report.
10. Victor Bockarie Foh, Former Vice-President of Sierra Leone 19th March 2015 – April 2018
The Commission notes that this Person of Interest was Vice President for the short period from 19th March 2015 to April 2018. The Commission found it difficult to ascertain on the evidence the amounts of money spent on some of the properties he constructed which commenced prior to his appointment as Vice President and completed after his assumption of office. Further, matching the purchase prices disclosed by the evidence, with what he earned in total, “it cannot be said that they were not within his means.”
Government rejects this recommendation. Government directs the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the assets of Victor Bockarie Foh, Former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, and particularly unexplained wealth and unjust enrichment.
I make no adverse findings of dishonestly against this Person of Interest concerning his real properties.
With regards to his moveable properties the time frame of this Commission will not enable me deal with the same. Same may be taken up by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
11. Ibrahim Kemoh Sesay, Former Minister of Works and Public Assets. Minister of Political and Public Affairs and Minister of Transport and Aviation between 2007- 2018
The Commission found that the Person of Interest has the following properties: a house at Bintumani Ring Road, Aberdeen, Freetown in the Western Area of Sierra Leone, valued at Le29,900,000,000; a house at 19 Wharf Road, Port Loko in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone valued at Le6,040,000,000 and another house (a hotel) in Port Loko. However, the Commission found that his net salaries Le1,276,640,610 for the period 2007-2018, cannot warrant the acquisition of these properties by him (even though one of them was acquired for his daughter Zauda K. Sesay). Therefore, the acquisitions are “wholly unexplained and unaccounted for” and must therefore have been dishonestly acquired.
Government accepts the following recommendations:
From all the analysis above I find that the house at Bintumani Ring Road, Aberdeen Freetown and the house at 19 Wharf Road, Port Loko were dishonestly acquired by this Person of Interest during his terms of office as Minister between the years 2007-2018 and should be confiscated and vested in the state.
The total of his net salaries Le1,276,640,610 for the period 2007-2018, as per exhibit BH 17 cannot warrant the acquisition of these properties by him (even though one of them was acquired for his daughter Zauda K. Sesay, aforesaid).
Pecuniary Assets
The Financial Intelligence Unit of Sierra Leone has submitted an Intelligence Report on the bank accounts of this Person of Interest, exhibit BH21.
His bank accounts stand as follows:
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK SIERRA LEONE
1. USD account No. 8700101335100
Total credit details for the period 05/07/17 – 28/08/17 – USD168,350.00
2. SIERRA LEONE COMMERCIAL BANK SIERRA LEONE LTD
USD account No. 003001106006410142
Total credit deposits between 30/08/17 – 04/09/19 = USD 12,200
3. SIERRA LEONE COMMERCIAL BANK SL LTD
Leone account No. 003001106006100110
Total non-salary deposits between 27/01/16 – 29/09/17 = Le634,820,000.00
4. ZENITH BANK SL LTD.
Leone account No: 6020162079
Total credits between 22/09/2016 – 31/03/2017 = Le905,850,000.00
Leone account No. 4110143241
Total credits between 23/09/2016 – 31/12/2018 = Le85,044,328.30
USD ACCOUNT No. 4070122834
Total credits between 22/09/2016 – 13/03/2017 = USD 11,800
5. FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK (SL) LTD.
Leone account No. 21412-02
Total credits between 31/07/2009 – 30/09/2017 = Le2,109,927.66
Leone account No. 21412-01
Total credits between 31/07/2009 – 30/09/2017 = Le1,425,000.00
6. COMMERCE AND MORTGAGE BANK
Leone account No. 21010091028
Total credits between 14/10/2009 – 01/06/2019 = Le1,448.597,118.77
USD account No. 21010092016
Total credits between 14/10/2009 – 01/06/2019 = USD60,000.00
It is quite apparent that this Person of Interest had multiple bank accounts during his Ministerial tenure between 2007-2018, some were USD accounts while others are Leone accounts, all with heavy deposits from undisclosed or unjustifiable sources. However, this
Commission is of the view that though heavy sums of money can be recovered from this
Person of Interest, the best course to take in fairness to both the State and the Person of
Interest is for the Audit Service to conduct a thorough audit into the bank accounts of this Person of Interest as revealed by the Financial Intelligence Report, exhibit BH21 in order to ascertain the sums of money that should be recovered from him for the State. This is because exhibit BH21 is in 2 parts, (a) A report on the financial position of this Person of interest submitted to the office of the Attorney General dated 13th February, 2019 and one submitted to this Commission dated 11th July 2019. These two reports need to be reconciled.
Even in the report submitted to this Commission a sudden mention is made to Rokel Commercial Bank SL Ltd whereas it was not cited as one of the banks covered by this report.
Vehicles
In exhibit BH16 headed POLITICALLY EXPOSED PERSONS AND NUMBER OF VEHICLES this person of Interest is listed as having 2 private vehicles and 1 commercial vehicle. No explanation as to their acquisition is forthcoming from this Person of Interest, they should therefore be confiscated and vested in the State.

September 24 · 

THE WHITE PAPER.

SIERRA LEONE GOVERNMENT White Paper
ON THE REPORT OF THE HON. SIR JUSTICE BIOBELE GEORGEWILL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY into the Assets and other related matters in respect of persons who were President, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; and Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies within the period from November 2007 to April 2018.

Time and space would not permit an inquiry of this nature to cover every single economic, financial and administrative activity of the immediate past Government of H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma from November 2007 – April 2018 when power was democratically handed over to H. E. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, as President of Sierra Leone.

The Commissions of Inquiry No. 1, Constitutional Instrument No. 64 of 2018 was duly established by law pursuant to the appointment of the Chairmen and Sole Commissioner, Hon Sir Biobele Abraham Georgewill JCA, DSSRS, KSC, a Justice of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Lord Chancellor of the Diocese of Niger Delta, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Pro Chancellor of Southgate University, Windhoek, Nigeria, by the President of Sierra Leone to carry out thorough, independent, fair and impartial investigations into allegations of corruption and abuse of public office and to make relevant findings and proffer appropriate recommendations to the Government of Sierra Leone for its considerations.

Terms of Reference:

To examine the assets and other related matters in respect of Persons who were President, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers; and Heads and Chairmen of Boards of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies within the period from November 2007 to April 2018.

To inquire into and investigate whether assets were acquired lawfully or unlawfully.

To inquire into:  Persons who were President, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers; Heads of Parastatals, Departments and Agencies.

To ascertain as to whether the Persons referred to in paragraphs (a) – (c): Maintained a standard of life above that which was commensurate to their official emoluments; Owned or were in control of pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to their official emoluments or there are evidence of corruption, dishonesty or abuse of office for private benefit by them; Collaborated with any person in respect of such corruption, dishonesty or abuse of office; Acted wilfully or complacently in such a manner so as to cause financial loss or damage to the Government, Local Authority or Parastatal, including a Public Corporation; Acquired directly or indirectly financial or material gains fraudulently, improperly or wilfully to the detriment of the Government, Local Authority or a Parastatal , including a Public Corporation, Statutory Commission, Body or any University in Sierra Leone.

To inquire into and investigate any persons or matter as may from time to time be referred to the Commission by His Excellency, the President.

Methodology:

This Commission adopted a robust approach to ensure that it carried out its work in accordance with due process and the rule of law in Sierra Leone. It was guided by the provisions of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991 (as amended), the Sierra Leone High Court Rules 2007 and the Practice Directions of the Commissions of Inquiry 2019.

The proceedings were held in public and were adversary in nature in line with the common law historical origins of the laws and practice in Sierra Leone. The State and the Persons of Interest were given equal treatment to ensure fairness and impartiality. The sacrosanct rules of fair hearing were scrupulously observed and adhered to by the Commission.

Challenges:

The initial time frame of six months for the completion of the assignments by the Commissions of Inquiry was very inadequate taking into consideration the magnitude and complexity of the totality of the work carried out by the Commissions of Inquiry.  An initial projection of one year for the work of the Commissions of Inquiry, taking into consideration the terms of reference covering eleven years of governance under scrutiny, would have been fairly reasonable.

A: Final Report on Ministerial Investigations; Findings: The highlights are:

Number of Persons of Interest and Collaborators investigated: 110 Persons of Interest, their alleged Collaborators and or Companies.

Number of Persons of Interest and Collaborators Indicted: 84 Persons of Interest and or Companies.

Number of Persons of Interest and Others Discharged: 26 Persons of Interest and Others.

Amounts of Money involved:

On Ebola Response:

Le85, 239, 738, 225. 94 and USD2, 471, 993. 41 were misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for between the EOC/Ministry of Health and Sanitation; NERC, their several Collaborators, BDO and IHPAU.

On Unsecured Loans:

Le7, 100, 159, 352. 29 is still outstanding as debts due payable to the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank from the unsecured loans to politically exposed persons and or their businesses.

On the Youth in Drainage

Project: Le19, 812, 340, 478. 00 was misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for and a further sum of Le804, 000, 000. 00 paid by RMFA as administrative cost.

On the National Youth Farm Project:

Le1, 599, 533, 000. 000 was misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for.

On the Youth in Fisheries Project:

Le2, 721, 565, 499. 00 and USD277, 000. 00 were misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for.

On the National Youth Village Project:

Le2, 207, 818, 212. 10 was misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for.

On the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources:

Le62, 368, 811, 694. 81 and USD7, 860, 767. 16 were misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for.

On Sierra Rutile SL Ltd:

The Government of Sierra Leone owned shares, whether amounting to 7, 085 or 30% or less of the total share capital of Sierra Rutile SL Ltd, arising from payment in lieu of PAYE from 1/4/2005 – 31/12/2011 amounting to USD8, 739, 192. 00 which were converted into shares in the said Sierra Rutile SL Ltd, and which shares were under a shady deal surreptitiously sold in 2012.

On the Petroleum Directorate:

Le72, 254, 506, 000. 00; and USD15, 413, 821. 00 were misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for.

On the Ministry of Trade and Industry:

Le16, 008, 534, 574. 00 was misappropriated and or unverified and remained unaccounted for.

On the Ministry of Sports:

Le5, 009, 027, 502. 00 was misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for.

On the Ministry of Lands, Country Planning and Environment:

Huge and unquantifiable sums of money payable as revenue on hasty and undervalued sale of some identified Government Quarters without due process and other State lands and leases that have been lost to the Government of Serra Leone, Le270, 581, 888. 00 were misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for.

On the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology:

Le44, 764, 428, 798. 00, and USD67, 951, 222. 00 were misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for.

On the Office of Attorney General and Ministry of Justice:

Several assets handed over to the Government of Sierra Leone by the former Special Court for Sierra Leone in 2013/2014 had remained unaccounted for. There was also gross dereliction and professional negligence leading to loss of prestige and damages awarded against the Government of Sierra Leone by the ECOWAS Court. The sum of Le3, 394, 828, 831. 00 and USD270, 000. 00 were misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for.

From the findings above, the grand total amount of Le323, 555, 873, 556. 14 and USD94, 217, 803. 30 were misappropriated and or unverified and had remained unaccounted for and lost to corruption in the MDAs between November 2007 and April 2018 as investigated by Commission Number One (Constitutional Instrument No. 64 of 2018).

Recommendations:

The highlights are:

All amounts recommended to be paid or refunded shall be refunded and paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within 30 days from the date of the ratification of the recommendations by the Government of Sierra Leone.

In the event of failure or neglect or refusal to make the refunds and payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within the 30 days period by any one as indicted above, the Government shall use all lawful means to confiscate all monies standing to the credit of any of the indicted persons and properties, movable and immovable, including houses, vehicles, stocks, belonging to any of the indicted persons for the purposes of selling them to recover the said amounts.

All irregular allocations of State lands and leases converted to freeholds without due process should be set aside, nullified and revoked and all the said lands reverted to the Government of Sierra Leone and the monies paid be refunded to the affected persons by the Government.

All indicted Persons of Interest and their collaborators involved in gross abuse of public office shall be barred from holding any public offices on subvention or howsoever funded by the Government of Sierra Leone for a period of five years from the date of acceptance of this recommendation by the Government of Sierra Leone.

From the findings by Commission Number One, the worst managed Ministry in the period under review was the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The issue of indebtedness of the Government of Sierra Leone to Limkokwing University is a farce as exposed in the findings under Ministry of Education, Science and Technology!

B. Final Report on Assets Investigations; Findings: The highlights are:

Number of Persons of interest investigated: 17 Persons of Interest, namely:

Madam Finda Diana Konomanyi: Former Minister of Local Government and Former Minister of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment from 2013 – 2018

Miatta Kargbo: Former Minister of Health and Sanitation from 2013 – 2015

Ibrahim Washinga Mansaray: Former Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation from 2013 – 2016; Former Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry from 2016 – 2018

Abdul Ignosi Koroma: Former Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources from 2007 – 2018

Minkailu Mansaray: Former Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources 2007 – 2018

Ahmed Khanou: Former Deputy Minister of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment from 2010 – 2016 and Former Minister of Sports from 2016 – 2018

Alimamy A. Kamara: Former Minister of Youth Affairs from 2013 – 2016

Mabinty Daramy: Former Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry from 2011 – 2016

Bai Mamoud Bangura: Former Minister of Youth Affairs from 2016 – 2018

Alfred Palo Conteh: Former Minister of Defense 2007 – 2014 and Former Minister of Internal Affairs from 2016 – 2018

Dr. Minkailu Bah: Former Minister of Education, Science and Technology from 2007 – 2018

Alimamy P. Koroma: Former Minister of Minister of Trade and Industry from 2007 – 2009 and Former Minister of Works, Housing and Infrastructure from 2009 – 2013

Mamoud Tarawally: Former Minister of Education, Science and Technology and Former Minister of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment from 2011 – 2013 and 2016 – 2018

Dr. Richard Konteh: Former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development from 2007 – 2008 and Former Minister of Trade and Industry from 2008 – 2013

Franklyn Bai Kargbo: Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice from 2010 – 2015

Zuliatu Muamatu Cooper: Former Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation from 2016 – 2018

Raymond Saidu Kargbo: Former Director General of Petroleum Directorate 2013 – 2018

Number of Persons of Interest Indicted: 14 Persons of Interest

Number of Persons of Interest discharged: 3 Persons of Interest

Recommendations:

The highlights are:

All the Persons of Interest who failed to declare at least once their Assets to the Anti – Corruption Commission were found guilty of the offence created under Section 119 of the ACC Act and were by virtue of Section 122 of the ACC Act sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of fine of Le30, 000, 000.

All the Persons of Interest who declared their Assets at least once or more to the Anti – Corruption Commission were found guilty of the offence created under Section 119 of the ACC Act but were cautioned and discharged.

All properties of Persons of Interest acquired within their total emoluments were discharged.

All funds of Persons of Interest in their Bank Accounts within their total emoluments were discharged.

All properties legally shown to belong to the spouse or jointly owned or to other relations and therefore, not belonging to the Persons of interest, and being therefore, outside the mandate of this Commissions were discharged.

All properties of Persons of Interest acquired with funds beyond and far above, and therefore not commensurate with, their legitimate means of incomes, allowances and other earnings and therefore, being products of unlawful and or unjust enrichments, shall be forfeited forthwith to the Government of Sierra Leone.

Upon due process taken for the legal forfeiture of all such forfeited properties, they shall be sold at public auction, or dealt with in any other lawful means as allowed by the Laws of Sierra Leone in dealing with forfeited properties, to interested persons at a fair value and the proceeds shall be remitted promptly into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone.

All funds and financial transactions in the Bank Accounts of all Person of Interest far above their total legitimate earnings shall forthwith be forfeited and if already spent by the Persons of Interest shall be refunded forthwith and paid by the Persons of Interest into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within 30 days from the date of the ratification of this recommendation by the Government of Sierra Leone

In the event of failure or neglect or refusal by the Persons of Interest to make the refunds and or payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Government of Sierra Leone within the 30 days period, the Government shall use all lawful means to confiscate all monies standing to his or her credits in any Bank Accounts and properties, movable and immovable, including houses, vehicles, stocks, belonging to the Persons of Interest for the purposes of selling them to recover the said amounts.

Implementation of Recommendations:

It is my hope that the Government of Sierra Leone under the leadership of H. E. Dr. Julius Maada Bio will find these recommendations helpful and useful in addressing and checking the grave ills of corruption on the economic and financial stability of the Republic of Sierra Leone and to recovers all stolen, misappropriated and or unaccounted funds and assets through an assiduous implementation of these recommendations, which in my humble view would go a long way in changing the narrative in public governance in Sierra Leone with the result that public offices would be held in trust and for the benefit of the people of Sierra Leone.

Appreciation:

The privilege to be called upon and to have served this great Country of Sierra Leone has indeed been mine. Having brought this assignment to a successful conclusion, it is fitting to give thanks and praise first to God for his grace and mercy all through the assignment. I express my appreciation to H. E. Mohammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for approving my coming over to Sierra Leone to take up this assignment.

I express my appreciation to H.E. Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone for appointing and giving me the opportunity to serve this Country and the free hand to carry out this assignment. I thank the Vice President, Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Dr. Abass Chenor Bundu, the Hon Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Priscilla Schwartz, the immediate past and current Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Hon Godfrey Onyeama, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Hon Odein Ajumogobia SAN, the High Commissioner of Nigeria to Sierra Leone, Dr. Habiss Ugbada, and his Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the Bishop and Dean of Diocese of Freetown and the Anglican Communion, AIG Morie Lengor Rtd., the Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator and Staff of the Commissions of Inquiry, Freetown. I appreciate the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Walter C. N. Onnoghen and the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Hon Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa. I deeply appreciate my beloved wife, Dame Funmilayo Biobele Georgewill and my lovely kids, Mrs. Abilaba, Barr Lolia, Ella, Princess, Afam and Barr Diepriye.

I appreciate Mr. Lindsay Barret and Mrs. Joy S. Bob Manuel. I appreciate my twin brother, Prof Sir Owunari Abraham Georgewill. I appreciate my personal doctor, Dr. Mrs. Oulchi Wogu. I appreciate my dedicated close body guards, Sgt. Williams Jnr., and Sgt. Christian Gray.

I appreciate the Press, particularly Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation and African Young Voices Media Empire. I also appreciate all others who had in various ways ensured and contributed to my successful conclusion of this assignment. I say thank you all and God bless!