Big Catch ACC Nets 15
Fourteen businessmen, one NASSIT staff will abidingly climb the steps of the high court to answer to counts of corruption charges.
The Anti Corruption Commissioner, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara yesterday disclosed to our reporter that, in all probability, next week will be another ‘red week’ for about 15 persons, who unfailingly will face the well of high court for criminally contravening Presidential moratorium on the unlawful export of timbers from out of Sierra Leone.
It is nevertheless disclosed that as at January of 2011, a total of 535 corruption related cases were reported.
That consequent to Commissioner Kamara’s taking over of office as Anti Corruption head; he has charged a total of nine cases, gained conviction on 8eight and went down to one.
The ACC boss reaffirms efforts of the commission in the improvement of strategies to enhance the swift completion of investigation on the arrested 44 containers of timbers at the Queen Elizabeth Quay II.
That 33 of the arrested containers were found tightfully parked with timber ready for export.
At a briefing in his office at Gloucester Street, Commissioner Kamara proudly revealed that persons so far arrested include Port authority, Intertek, NRA workers.
He however citation to section 674 of the ACC Act of 2008, which he said gives the ACC the mandate to arrest and grant bail consequent to the gravity of the matter.
It is disclosed in addition that bail was granted to some of the culprits in sum of Le 500 million and two sureties, all being property owners in the Freetown Municipality.
Some of whom that did not meet bail condition are reportedly languishing in cells of ACC.
A NASSIT staff is said to have been arrested for his involvement in the timber matter, but has nothing to do with NASSIT as an institution.
“We are still looking at the number of persons involved in the matter. As at present, we only have 15 in our net, but believe more will have to follow,” Commissioner Kamara said.
“Corrupt is a national sickness, but will be reduced tremendously.”
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