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The Appeal Court of Sierra Leone has this morning delivered a ruling in the Commissions of Inquiry matter between former President, Ernest Bai Koroma versus the State, and to determine if he is entitled to immunity.
The Coram of Judges presided on the matter are: Hon. Justices Momoh-Jah Stevens (JA), Hon. Adrian J. Fisher (J) and presiding Judge, Hon.Justice Ansumana Ivan Sesay (JA).
The ruling is to determine whether Ernest Bai Koroma as former Head of State is entitled to Immunity for acts done whilst serving as President of Sierra Leone.
In its ruling on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal rejected the applications by lawyers representing Former President Koroma to stay proceeding in the ongoing COI appeals and refer the question of presidential immunity to the Supreme Court for constitutional interpretation.
In 2019, three commissions of inquiry investigated the assets of vice presidents, ministers and heads of government agencies who served along with Koroma in the administration from 2007 to 2018.
The commission found Koroma wanting on several corruption allegations relating to his salaries, pension and income on investments which they claimed “far exceeds his total emoluments and legitimate earnings”.
The commission made several recommendations, among which were the forfeiture of properties to the state, the refund of monies allegedly misappropriated, while some issues were to be sent to the Anti-Corruption Commission for further investigation.
The government accepted most of the recommendations from the commissions of inquiry, except the one to ban Persons of Interest from holding public office and political activities.
