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Two Nigerian nationals in have been arraigned before Magistrate Alpha S. Ndoleh, of Pademba Road, Magistrate Court for an illegal mining activity in Kono District, and equally for persevering the Act of Environmental Protection of Sierra Leone Section 24 (1), EPSAL Act No. 15 of 2022.
The two foreigners allegedly involved in the act, are: Kalu Paul and David Obonnaya, both Nigerians. The Accused persons were arrested by EPSAL Regional Team in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police from the Motema Divisional Headquarters for conducting illicit mining activities on 13th December, 2022.
On 13 January 2023, the two people appeared before the Magistrate Court for mining without the valid Environmental Protection Impact Assessment Licence issued by EPSAL, and they eventually pleaded guilty and, therefore, both of them were sentenced to a maximum of two years imprisonment or to pay a fine sum total of NLe150,000.
Delivering his ruling, Magistrate Alpha S. Ndoleh said that “no one will float the laws of Sierra Leone and go free”; adding that the verdict would serve as a deterrent to those who are also into unlawful mining in the country.
The lead presenting Counsel, Halalo Alien Esq, is also the Manager of the Legal and Compliance Department at EPSAL, represented the Agency in the matter, while, the accused persons were represented by private legal counsels.
