By Allieu Sahid Tunkara
The high Court of Sierra Leone presided over by Justice Reginald Fynn has convicted the former Minister of Works, Housing and Infrastructure on one count of failing to disclose interest to a public body.
Abdul Barrie was ordered to pay a fine of Le250million within 30 days effective 24 April or face a three-year imprisonment to be spent at the maximum security Pademba Road Prison in Freetown.
Mr Barrie was convicted of corruption relating to a contract to refurbish government property which he awarded to Ribar Enterprise, a business entity he jointly owns with his wife, without disclosing his interest.
In his first appearance before Justice Fynn, the convict initially entered a “not guilty” plea for all seven counts brought against him by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecutor. He however changed his plea to “guilty” for the fifth count of failure to disclose interest to a public body.
The case against Barrie was prosecuted by Surrifou Harleston, on behalf of the ACC. And the convict was represented by Ibrahim S. Yillah.
A press release dated 24 April 2018 from ACC advises those who occupy positions of public trust to comply with the laws and laid down procedures in the handling and disbursement of public resources.
(c) 2019 Politico Online
