By Joseph Momoh
Freetown, Sierra Leone In a landmark ruling, two customs officers were sentenced to three years in prison each after being found guilty of soliciting a bribe of Le 2.5 million (old leones) to expedite the clearance of a shipping container. The verdict was delivered by Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu, who presided over the case as a High Court Judge.
Akmed Karim and Mary Banya were convicted on two counts of corruption under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008. The convictions followed a robust trial during which the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) presented evidence from ten witnesses.
The prosecution revealed that on February 28, 2019, Karim and Banya demanded Le 2.5 million from Sigismond Tommy Mei for the swift release of a 40-foot container belonging to Juan Ruiz, an American entrepreneur in the sand-based minerals export business. This demand was deemed unlawful and critical to the officers’ conviction.
Despite both defendants pleading not guilty and distancing themselves from the allegations, testimony from key witnesses—including Mei, an Operations Assistant at Bollore Logistics—directly implicated them. RuÃz also provided crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding the shipment.
Lucy Kabba, an ACC investigator, testified that extensive investigations produced substantial evidence warranting legal action. After a thorough review of the facts, Justice Allieu concluded that the prosecution had convincingly established its case, leading to the guilty verdicts.
During the sentencing phase, the defense counsel sought leniency, highlighting personal hardships faced by the defendants: Banya is a primary caregiver mourning her mother’s recent passing, while Karim is reportedly ill and nearing retirement. Conversely, the prosecution urged for a stringent penalty, emphasizing that such corrupt practices damage public trust and deplete judicial resources.
Justice Allieu addressed the circumstances by noting that while arguments were made for leniency based on amendments in the 2019 Anti-Corruption Act, the offenses were committed under the 2008 law. Each officer received a sentence of three years’ imprisonment or a fine of Le 30,000 (new leones) on both counts.
In related proceedings, another customs officer, Momodu Allieu Sow, faced similar allegations involving a bribe of Le 3 million aimed at undervaluing a boat at the port. However, Justice Allieu found insufficient evidence to support the case against Sow, resulting in his acquittal.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by the Judiciary and the ACC to combat corruption within public institutions, particularly at critical revenue generating points such as ports.
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