2. Page 2 The Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC) is hosting a two - day training on Asset Tracing and Recovery, organized by Restitution Impact, United Kingdom. The training which is held from 2nd to 3rd April, 2025, at the Conference Room, Integrity House, Tower Hill, Freetown, brought together participants from various Law Enforcement agencies, including the Law Officers ’ Department, the Sierra Leone Police (Interpol, CID, TOCU, IIS), Financial Intelligence Agency, Center for Intelligence and Security Agency, the National Revenue Authority (Customs), and Civil Society Organizations. In his opening statement, ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., emphasized the high costs of such training programs, which institutional budgets do not always accommodate. He noted that partnerships with organizations like Restitution Impact help bridge this gap by providing expert - led training locally, thereby allowing more participants to benefit. “ They can impart knowledge so you receive the same cutting - edge training and experience without having to travel, ” he stated. The Commissioner further stressed that while the fight against corruption may be spearheaded by one institution, it requires collaboration with multiple partners and stake- holders to be effective. He underscored that asset recovery is one of the most challenging yet crucial aspects of combating corruption, noting that the focus should not always be on court trials but on retrieving stolen resources. He commended Restitution Impact f or enhancing skills in this critical area and urged participants to fully participate in the training. Chris Duckett, Executive Director of Restitution Impact , highlighted the dual focus of the training, covering both the legal and investigative aspects of asset recovery. He emphasized the importance of filtering through vast amounts of information to identify key elements that facilitate the recovery of stolen public funds. “ Often, we are overwhelmed by information, insights, and perspectives on asset recovery. What truly matters is ensuring that what has been stolen is returned to the national coffers, ” he noted. Tatiana Sainati, Partner at Wiley Rein, Washington D.C., USA, in her address, stressed that asset recovery plays a pivotal role in combating corruption by reclaiming misappropriated resources. She pointed out that legal compliance is critical in asset recovery investigations, as failure to adhere to legal standards could render the process ineffective. This training is part of the ongoing capacity - building initiatives provided by Restitution Impact to strengthen the expertise of ACC staff, particularly investigators and prosecutors. Earlier, ACC Deputy Commissioner, Augustine Foday Ngobie, urged to fully engage in the training, emphasizing the need for continuous learning to enhance asset recovery efforts. “ The essence of this training is to focus on asset recovery and to continually prepare ourselves for the challenges ahead, ” he added. ACC ’ s Eastern Regional Manager Peter Baio Kamara making a statement ACC and DHMT staff after the engagement B y : A l e x A . B a h , P u b l i c R e l a t i o n s A s s i s t a n t , A C C Tatiana Sainati, Partner, Wiley Rein, Washington D.C., USA facilitating the training

4. Page 4 “ We observed that there were o traces of any transfers into Thomas Daddy Br ima ’ s personal account at Commerce and Mortgage Bank, except funds received from the SLFA account. His account often had either low or zero balances, with SLFA funds being the only significant inflows, ” the Commissioner noted. Commissioner Kaifala also addressed the SLFA president ’ s claim of acting under Section 38 of the SLFA Statute, which he interpreted as granting him unilateral powers to act. The Commissioner emphasized that the ACC strongly disagrees with this interpretation, pointing out that specific financial regulations provide procedures that cannot be overridden by general statutory provisions. Commissioner Kaifala acknowledged the nation ’ s love for football, noting that the President of Sierra Leone has prioritized the sport by providing significant funding, averaging $1 million per game. The Commissioner confirmed that bail has been granted to the SLFA President and other execut ive members who were detained during the course of the investigation. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, welcomed members of the press and encouraged them to continue to support the work of the Commission. He assured them that the ACC ’ s doors will always be open to members of the media and the public who intend to seek any information related to the work of the Commission. to the account of Castlenton Roads Commodities, a business owned by the SLFA President. To date, he said, both the Procurement and Finance Officers have failed to explain the reason for the transfer or provide any supporting documents. He said between 2021 and 2025, several payments were reportedly made to the SLFA president, which th e Finance Officer claimed were refunds for pre - financing of SLFA activities. However, Commissioner Kaifala stated that no proper documentation was submitted to justify these payments. He added that signific ant refunds were made without any accompanying evidence or approval from relevant SLFA officials Contd. From Page 1 The Advisory Board Committee of the Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC) on 3 rd April 2025 met with the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Honourable Komba Kamanda to discuss concerns over prolonged corruption cases in the courts. The meeting, which took place at the Office of the Chief Justice in Freetown, was part of the ACC ’ s broader efforts to enhance the efficiency of the justice system and ensure speedy resolution of ACC cases in the High Court. The discussion emphasized the importance of timely and expeditious trials of ACC cases in reinforcing public confidence in the country ’ s anti - corruption efforts. As the chairman of the meeting, Deputy Commissioner of the ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Justice for his warm reception to the team to discuss such important issues. He commended the Judiciary for their role and support in ensuring corrupt persons are held accountable. “ Without the Judiciary our job will not be complete as they are strategic partners in the fight against corruption, ” Mr Ngobie stated. Stating the purpose of the meeting, Chairman of the ACC Advisory Board, Prince Goba, said the meeting aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance judicial efficiency and uphold the rule of law in Sierra Leone. He appealed to the Chief Justice to review pending ACC cases and to take necessary steps to expedite their proceedings. “ Prolonged legal processes can undermine public confidence which will weaken the country ’ s anti - graft drive, ” he said. Responding, the Chief Justice, His Lordship Hon. Komba Kamanda, acknowledged the concerns raised by the ACC Advisory Board and assured them that the judiciary will look into them. He said the Judiciary remains committed to ensuring swift and fair justice in Sierra Leone and highlighted ongoing efforts to address the backlog of ACC cases and the strategies which will be put in place to enhance effective and efficient case management in the courts. BY: Amie Massaquoi, Information Officer, ACC. B y : A l e x A . B a h , P u b l i c R e l a t i o n s A s s i s t a n t , A C C Deputy Commissioner Au- gustine Foday Ngobie Honourable Chief Justice of the Judiciary of Sierra Leo- ne His Lordship Komba Kamanda Group photo after the engagement

3. Page 3 B y : A l e x A . B a h , P u b l i c R e l a t i o n s A s s i s t a n t , A C C In a thrilling an inspiring keynote speech delivered at the 180th Anniversary Speech Day and Prize - Giving Ceremony of the Sierra Leone Grammar School at the school ’ s premises on Thursday 20 th March, 2025, Commissioner of the Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., has urged students to embrace education, tenacity, and leadership. Speaking at his alma mater, Commissioner Kaifala commenced by reflecting on his journey from a student to a national leader, emphasizing that success is built on hard work, resilience, and an unrelenting commitment to the pursuit of education. “ You see the glamour and the glitter, but who feels it knows, ” he said, quoting Buju Banton to illustrate the challenges he overcame. He recounted how his education - driven mindset helped him navigate a difficult childhood marked by war - primarily fueled by corruption and economic hardship - reinforcing the transformative power of learning. He shared personal stories of his time at the school, including his initial struggles . "My uncle was so nervous about my admission interview that he forgot to take me along," He humorously recounted, adding that his eventual success at SLGS laid the foundation for his achievements as he represented the school severally, and was part of various clubs including the ACC ’ s Integrity Club. The Commissioner also reflected on national issues, highlighting the critical role of education in combating corruption and fostering good governance. "The drive to solve Sierra Leone ’ s problems calls for a generation of highly educated people," he asserted. Kaifala also spoke about integrity in education, recalling his efforts to ex pose examination malpractice in schools, an issue he described as a major threat to the future of young leaders. He resounded the importance of perseverance, education, and leadership from the front and the rear. "To be da] ngerously educated requires an unrelenting commitment to knowledge," he continued whilst urging Regentonians to apply themselves diligently despite challenges. He summed up his address with vital lessons, urging them to be wide readers as knowledge he said wills enormous power. He added that they should love learning with passion and curiosity but also be prayerful, resilient and tenacious in the face of aridity. “ In your hands, not with presidents or leaders, is the future of your world. ” He quoted Robert F. Kennedy. He encouraged them to leverage the use of technology whilst emphatically endearing them to nurture meaningful friendships beyond ethnic limitations. The event celebrated the institution ’ s prestigious legacy of academic excellence and leadership in shaping the nation ’ s future as the first high school established in Sierra Leone in 1845. Pupils, alumni, and dignitaries graced the event. Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq delivering his keynote address Pupils witnessing the ceremony . Alumni and parents were part of the audience .

1. E D I T O R I A L T E A M E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F Abubakarr Turay E D I T O R S Sylvanus Blake Alex A. Bah L A Y O U T & G R A P H I C S Philippa M Davies E D I T O R I A L A D V I S E R S Augustine Foday Ngobie 1 1 M o b i l e N o : 8 5 1 5 o n a l l N e t w o r k s 1 S T – 4 t h A p r i l 2 0 2 5 I S S U E 3 , V O L U M E 0 4 B y : A l e x A . B a h , P u b l i c R e l a t i o n s A s s i s t a n t , A C C Journalists at the press conference Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. (left) and Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie (Right) The Commissioner of the Anti - Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., has revealed to the media the serious acts of corruption allegedly perpetrated by the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Thomas Daddy Brima and his Executive. He made the revelations at a press conference held at the Commission ’ s Integrity House, Tower Hill, Freetown, on Friday 4 th April 2024. The ACC Commissioner said that the Commission ’ s investigations, which began six months ago, uncovered alleged misappropriation of funds allocated to the SLFA. The investigations, he said, showed unauthorized withdrawals and a lack of requisite supporting documents for transactions amounting to a staggering 720,144 US dollars and 498,200 (new) leones. Commissioner Kaifala highlighted a blatant disregard for procurement procedures, citing a 527,000 US dollars contract awarded to Lexons Company for the renovation of the Technical Centre in Kingtom without due process. He also revealed another 50,000 US dollars contract awarded to Alcon Construction and Engineering Services, reportedly lacking justifications. In a startling revelation, the Commissioner said that Bun Tejan Doherty and Co., the supposed auditors of Lexons Company, denied preparing the financial statements used by Lexons to win the contract. They claimed that their stamp and signatures were forged and that they had never done any work for the company. Despite these red flags, the SLFA failed to question or verify the authenticity of the documents submitted. Further, he disclosed that the owner of Lexons Company confessed to forging NASSIT receipts for the contract bid, a discrepancy that went unquestioned by the SLFA. When confronted with the issue of the signing of the 527,000 US dollars contract without due diligence, the SLFA president shifted responsibility to the Procurement Committee but could not name any of its members, he added. The ACC Commissioner said the Commission uncovered suspected bid - rigging, particularly in the procurement of motorcycles, where the evaluation process favoured the second - lowest bidder without sufficient reasons for bypassing the lowest bidder. The Commissioner disclosed that in 2021, an amount of 17,400 US dollars was transferred Contd. Page 4