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Sierra Leone’s largest mining company, Koidu Limited has publicly challenged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding an ongoing investigation, alleging that the commission’s actions are “baseless” and influenced by the First Lady, Mrs. Fatima Bio.
In a letter dated May 13, 2025, addressed to ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala, Koidu Limited expressed strong concerns over a May 8 press release from the ACC that defended the First Lady and contained what the company described as “vague and baseless allegations” against it.
Koidu Limited asserted its status as a “good corporate citizen,” stating that its audited financial statements show it has paid $173 million in taxes and royalties to the Sierra Leone government. The company called on the ACC and Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to “thoroughly investigate where the money paid by Koidu was spent and publish its findings,” citing the “devastating” lack of government investment in Kono district.
The company referenced a January 24, 2025, report by the Sierra Leone Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (SLEITI), audited by BDO, which confirmed Koidu made the highest contribution (31%) of tax revenues from the entire extractive industry. Koidu stated it was “disappointing” that the ACC appeared to “unilaterally override the efforts of these independent organisations.”
Koidu Limited also highlighted that it has undergone audits by various government bodies, including the National Revenue Authority (NRA), National Social Security & Insurance Trust (NASSIT), National Minerals Agency (NMA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the past two years, receiving commendations and awards without any legal proceedings or sanctions.
According to Koidu, the ACC’s investigation commenced on January 22, 2025, “at the behest of the First Lady,” just days before her speech to the company’s workers in Koidu. The company stated it provided extensive evidence to the ACC, which had “ample time to reach a conclusion within its 90-day investigation window,” and that the ACC had assured Koidu on March 27, 2025, that the investigation was complete.
Koidu expressed surprise when the ACC issued its public statement defending the First Lady on May 8, two days after Koidu had written to the First Lady. The company noted that “neither the First Lady nor the government have provided any evidence whatsoever nor commenced any court proceeding against the Company.”
The company further claimed that the “evidence” provided by the First Lady and the Ministry of Employment Labour & Social Security (MELSS) originated from an unregistered union, whose representatives were allegedly suspended or dismissed for “gross misconduct or gross negligence.” Koidu detailed accusations against these individuals, including “intimidating and threatening behaviour; assaulting and physical violence against our employees; inciting illegal strikes; organising barricades; sabotage; interference with security protocols; jeopardising safety; fostering a hostile and hazardous work environment; undermining employee well-being; planning to hold expats hostage; and fraud.” Koidu stated it deemed it “improper to allow these individuals to return to work.”
The letter also addressed the First Lady’s previous public apology for referring to government ministers as “dogs” and alleging they were “collecting brown envelopes [from Koidu],” remarks for which she cited her “passion.” Koidu asked the ACC what action it takes against individuals making “false accusations of bribery and corruption.”
Koidu Limited explicitly questioned the ACC’s impartiality, suggesting its “pattern of engagement” could be interpreted as “acting as a mouthpiece of the First Lady to exert undue state influence.” The company requested the ACC to publish its governance charter and internal controls, and to confirm it has not received “direct or indirect instruction from the First Lady or her associates.”
The company also raised concerns about ACC employees allegedly disclosing confidential information and misrepresenting facts on radio, TV, and social media regarding the active investigation.
Finally, Koidu Limited urged the ACC, “in the spirit of fairness and equal treatment,” to make similar public statements regarding its investigation into the First Lady’s alleged corruption, as detailed by the Organized Crime & Corruption Reporting Project and reported in the international press.
Do we still need the ACC? An institution that has been weaponized and used as a tool to go after political opponents? Witness the NY Chancery building matter. The functions of the ACC should be collapsed and transferred to the CID or similar unit within the SLP where it rightly belongs. Contrast the salary of the ACC boss to that of the CID boss. Wasting the country’s resources on useful idiots…
What presently on the ground concerning workers and what you are asking for are they the same. Koidu holding you are damaging yourself.
The Boers, the true descendants of German Nazis and their French and Dutch Colloborators are showing their true racist and white supremacy colors. For goodness me is it the place of OCTEA to request ACC to investigate the Sierra Leone government for a token 173 million dollars compared to what OCTEA is illegally bagging in their offshore accounts from our minerals including gold?
I wish we had a government that will squeeze these blokes to there melting point.
😊😃😃😃😃😃😃😃 mi broda nor waste powder pa kondo( lizard 🦎) The almighty GOD go fetch for wi, wi nor need ACC anymore.. mk wi let kos pa dem politicians dem yaa.. Swear dem entire generation to d almighty GOD..
Almighty GOD destroy all bad politicians na mama salone