By Ruth Yeabu Sesay
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has in a press statement confirmed that Justice Komba Kamanda has convicted five persons for misappropriation of donor funds.
The statement dated 7th November 2022 explained that the five individuals were convicted on 3rd November 2022 for misappropriating and conspiring to misappropriate donor funds meant for the people of Sierra Leone, noting that they were personnel of Plan International.
It stated that one of the convicts Akuna Daniel Shorunkeh Sawyer was convicted on eleven (11) Counts of corrupt charges such as misappropriation of donor funds and conspiracy to commit a corrupt offence.
The Justice had said Sawyer must pay the fine of Four Hundred and Sixty Thousand New Leones (Nle 460,000) and One billion, Three Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty Thousand Leones (old Leones) which was misappropriated or be imprisoned for three years. The sum is expected to be paid to the ACC within six months.
Other convicts include Biasie Turay, Mohamed Ishmael Bangura and Abubakarr Kanu who were convicted on one count charge. They were fined the sum of Thirty Thousand New Leones (Nle 30,000) or be imprisoned for three years.
Moses Ogendeh Kamara was fined the sum of One Hundred and Ten Thousand New Leones (Nle 110,000) or three years imprisonment. According to the release, Kamara was convicted on conspiracy to commit a corrupt offence and misappropriation of donor funds.
Explaining the background of the incident, the ACC in the release explained that Sawyer and seven others were on 1st December 2016 indicted for misappropriating and conspiring to misappropriate donor funds meant for the people of Sierra Leone. It noted that the 2nd, 4th and 8th Accused were acquitted and discharged by the High Court of Sierra Leone.
Copyright (09/11/22)
