Koidu Limited Accuses First Lady of Influencing ACC Commissioner’s Appointment

Mining company Koidu Limited has accused the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Bio, of influencing the appointment of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala.

The company also claims Kaifala is using the ACC to defend the personal interests of the First Lady.

The claims were made in a letter dated June 4, 2025, sent by Koidu to the ACC. The company says Kaifala is acting under the instructions of the First Lady and is unwilling to investigate her over public concerns, including alleged misuse of funds and unexplained wealth. The letter also mentions her international travel on a private jet, which the company says is done at the state’s expense.

Koidu alleges that Fatima Bio was directly involved in Kaifala’s appointment and that in return, he protects her and attacks her critics. The company described their connection as close, claiming that the Commissioner and the First Lady “walk side-by-side and hand-in-hand.” Koidu included material it says supports this claim.

The letter also states that both the First Lady and the Commissioner have taken actions against Koidu, without providing any evidence of wrongdoing by the company.

Koidu says this alleged relationship raises concerns about fairness and conflicts of interest within the country’s anti-corruption system.

The company says the claims were submitted as part of its official complaint and expects the matter to be taken seriously.