News

By Newman Anthony Levey in Bo

Police in Bo have arrested a couple in connection with the suspected poisoning of an 11-month-old baby boy which led to his near death.

Mohamed Kemoh, the boy’s father and Francess Koroma, his stepmother, were detained after the baby fell ill last week and was rushed to the hospital where doctors said they suspected his food had been poisoned.

By Kemo Cham

A group of Islamic leaders on Friday launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness on the coronavirus pandemic and prevention of its transmission. 

The leaders, under the banner of the Forum of Islamic Organization for Peaceful Coexistence in Sierra Leone, which comprises representatives from all the major Islamic sects in the country, say the goal of the campaign is to complement government’s effort in the fight against the global health emergency.

By Kemo Cham

The African Development Bank (AfDB) says it has raised $3 billion in a three-year bond to help alleviate the potential economic and social impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on livelihoods and economies of African countries.
The “Fight Covid-19 Social Bond” garnered interest from central banks and official institutions, bank treasuries, and asset managers including Socially Responsible Investors, with bids exceeding $4.6 billion,” a statement from the Bank, released via the African Press Organization, said.

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

Importers and business experts have warned of tough times ahead if strategic moves aren’t taken to cushion the economic effect of the ongoing global Coronavirus pandemic in Sierra Leone.

The government has already recognized the danger and has announced a stimulus package. But business people, particularly importers, say the plan announced is not enough.

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

The Commission of Inquiry (COI) report has ordered all those who took “unsecured” loans from the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank to repay them.

The COI was established as a result of recommendations made by the Governance Transition Team report that was done by a committee appointed by President Julius Maada Bio immediately after he assumed office in 2018.

Three judges independently conducted investigations and put together their findings which were presented to President Bio on Wednesday.

By Prince J Musa in Kenema.

The Kenema District Emergency Operations Center has inspected checkpoints lining the highway leading to the district.

The body, which is made up of the Office of National Security (ONS), police and military, among others local authorities, completed the inspection on Wednesday as part of their monitoring of the implementation of measures geared towards preventing the Coronavirus from entering the district.

By Francis H. Murray

The Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) has cleared a police officer who shot at a civilian at the residence of the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Lahai Lawrence Leema, of any wrongdoing.

The incident in February left Alie Sajah Foster seriously injured.

A report on the outcome of the IPCB investigation which was unveiled at a press briefing on Wednesday states the officer, Aiah Fengai, acted with “extreme restraint” and “professionalism”.