Freetown, Sierra Leone, May 8, 2025– The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has categorically denied claims that it has cleared Koidu Holdings (SL) Limited of corruption allegations, following a letter dated May 6, 2025, from Octea Limited to the Office of the First Lady.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the ACC said it is currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into Koidu Holdings for a range of serious corruption-related offences. These include alleged corporate and mineral export tax evasion, failure to remit deductions to state institutions, non-payment of employee entitlements such as NASSIT contributions, abuse of labour laws, and improper use of expatriate employees to avoid tax liabilities.
The Commission hereby confirms that contrary to the assertion in the said letter from Octea Limited that that it had cleared Koidu Holdings Limited of any corruption these issues remain under investigation and at no time had it reached such a decision,” the ACC stated.
Octea’s letter reportedly claimed that the ACC had found no evidence of any corruption, bribery, or similar alleged activities involving Koidu Holdings. The ACC dismissed this assertion as “inaccurate and incorrect,” emphasizing that the investigation remains active and no final determination has been made.
The Commission also addressed a separate claim in the letter alleging that the First Lady of Sierra Leone was investigated for misusing public and charitable funds for personal expenses. The ACC clarified that its inquiry focused solely on the appropriateness of public funding allocated to the Office of the First Lady—a practice it deemed proper based on historical precedent. The investigation resulted in preventative recommendations to the government, which have since been fully implemented.
