Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-03-22 10:49:48
In a surprising disclosure, Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayai Sellu, delivered a scathing address to Parliament on March 18, 2024. The IGP’s speech sent shockwaves across the nation as he revealed recent drug seizures and the discovery of counterfeit money, reigniting concerns about corruption and accountability within Sierra Leone’s institutions.
Sellu’s report unveiled a troubling incident from 2021 involving a Nigerian citizen who was apprehended with a substantial amount of counterfeit US dollars totaling an estimated US$34,000. The currency was seized and sent to the Bank of Sierra Leone for verification. However, authorities have since been met with silence from the bank, with no updates provided on the progress of the investigation.
Compounding the issue is the involvement of former officials in this scandal. Former Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Kelfala Kallon, faces renewed scrutiny over allegations of money laundering during his tenure. Additionally, the former Inspector General of Police, Sovula, who was in office at the time of the seizure, has been implicated in bribery and unprofessional conduct, leading to his dismissal.
The timing of these events raises serious questions about the accountability of these individuals and the institutions they once led. Dr. Ibrahim L. Stevens, the current Bank governor who served as Kallon’s deputy during the confiscation incident, has remained conspicuously silent in response to Sellu’s allegations, fueling speculation and demands for transparency from the Bank of Sierra Leone.
The credibility of the Bank of Sierra Leone is now hanging in the balance as citizens and authorities await clarification and accountability. Sellu’s revelations have sparked public outrage, with many questioning the institution’s integrity and ability to uphold its mandate of safeguarding financial stability.
The failure to provide a prompt response only serves to further erode trust and confidence in the bank. Pressure is mounting on the Bank of Sierra Leone to address the lingering questions surrounding the confiscated funds and the actions of former officials and the current administration.
The people of Sierra Leone are demanding accountability, transparency, and swift action to address this breach of trust. Until the bank breaks its silence and provides answers, the specter of corruption will continue to cast a dark shadow over the nation’s future. It is imperative for the Bank of Sierra Leone to regain the public’s trust and demonstrate a commitment to integrity and accountability in order to move forward from this challenging situation.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
