By Francis H. Murray
Magistrate Hannah Bonnie of the High Court has issued a Bench warrant against the Chief Executive Officer of ACTB Printing and Publishing Limited, Joe Abass Bangura and its Financial Secretary, for failing to honour the court’s invitation in respect of the alleged nonpayment of National Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) contributions of employees.
Magistrate Bonnie made this order at the Social Security Division of the High Court on Saturday 19th September 2020 at the start of investigations into a one count indictment of failing to pay social security contributions for workers of ACTB.
The order came after NASSIT Lawyer, Farahkhan Sesay, told the Court that the defendants had failed to be present in court and had also demonstrated a ‘‘recalcitrant’’ attitude towards the payment of NASSIT contributions for their workers between February 2019 to January 2020.
Lawyer Sesay added that after a spot check was conducted on the 12th March, 2020 at the company’s business centre situated in the Western Area of Freetown, it was discovered that the employers owed the Trust Le15, 694,353.02.
The applicant alleged that ACTB Printing & Publishing Limited, Joe Abass Bangura being an “Establishment and “Employer” under the National Social Security and Insurance Trust, on diverse dates between February 2019 to January 2020, did fail to pay Social Security Contributions for workers, to the Trust within the required period.
The bench warrant is returnable on the 26th September, for continuation of hearing.
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