Fatima Bio’s Legal Team Takes Action to Stop Koidu Limited From Shutting Down

The legal team representing Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, has taken significant steps to prevent Octea Limited, a company incorporated in Guernsey, from potentially shutting down its operations without response to their concerns.

The move came in light of serious allegations regarding human rights violations at Koidu Limited, a subsidiary of Octea, which operates a diamond mine in Sierra Leone.

In a formal notice sent to the Registrar of Companies in Guernsey, the legal team outlined their intention to file lawsuits against Octea Limited. Those lawsuits will reportedly address claims of inhumane treatment of workers at Koidu Limited, including allegations of unsafe working conditions, lack of access to clean drinking water, and inadequate toilet facilities.

The notice specifically mentions that some workers have suffered severe injuries, including the loss of limbs, and that there have been instances of fatalities linked to the company’s operations.

The legal representatives, Tejan-Cole Yillah and Partners, emphasized the urgency of their request, stating that they are also preparing to initiate legal action in the United Kingdom. They are concerned that Octea Limited may attempt to file for bankruptcy or seek to be struck off the register of companies in Guernsey, which could hinder the pursuit of justice for the affected workers.

The letter confirmed that while Guernsey is not a member of the United Nations and does not directly sign international human rights treaties, it is bound by the United Kingdom’s ratifications. The jurisdiction has been a party to the European Convention on Human Rights since 1953, which underscores the importance of human rights protections in legal proceedings against companies operating within its borders.

The legal team argued that the allegations of gross human rights violations provide a compelling case for maintaining Octea Limited’s registration in Guernsey. They assert that the potential lawsuits will not only seek compensation for the affected workers but also aim to hold the company accountable for its actions in Sierra Leone.

In their communication, the legal team has requested that the Registrar of Companies take note of these developments and refrain from processing any applications that may lead to the dissolution of Octea Limited. They believe that the ongoing legal challenges and the serious nature of the allegations warrant a thorough examination before any decisions are made regarding the company’s status.