The Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone, Augustine Foday-Ngobie, has launched an official investigation into Andrew Jaiah KaiKai, the former Chief Immigration Officer of Sierra Leone.

The scrutiny centers on KaiKai’s recent admission of accepting extravagant gifts, including a Mercedes G-Wagon, Toyota Landcruiser, and Fortuner, from a friend during his tenure.

The startling confession was made as KaiKai testified before the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments and Public Service just a day prior. Despite the significant disclosure, KaiKai has been approved for his upcoming position as the Executive Director of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency.

The appointment follows closely on the heels of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s decision to delve into the matter of these gifts.

The Anti-Corruption Act’s Section 51 provides clear directives concerning such cases: “(1) A public officer who solicits or accepts any gift, fee, or personal benefit as an inducement or reward for any act or omission in the performance of his duties commits an offense.” Conviction could lead to substantial fines or imprisonment for at least one year.

This investigation takes on added gravity in light of recent claims suggesting an alleged murderer from Nigeria managed to procure a Sierra Leonean passport. The intertwining of these events underscores the pressing need for transparency and accountability in the nation’s corridors of power.