By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, D.S.
Freetown, 28th May 2025 – Koidu Limited, Sierra Leone’s largest mining company, has publicly challenged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over its ongoing investigation, claiming the commission’s actions are “baseless” and unduly 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 regarding a May 8 press release from the ACC that defended the First Lady and included what the company described as “vague and baseless allegations” against it.
Koidu Limited emphasized its status as a “good corporate citizen,” citing its audited financial statements that reveal 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” the allocation of these funds, highlighting a “devastating” lack of government investment in Kono district.
The company referenced a report from the Sierra Leone Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (SLEITI), which confirmed that Koidu made the highest contribution (31%) of tax revenues from the extractive sector. Koidu expressed disappointment that the ACC appeared to “unilaterally override” the efforts of independent organizations.
Koidu Limited noted it has undergone audits by various government bodies, including the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), receiving commendations without any legal proceedings or sanctions in the past two years.
According to Koidu, the ACC’s investigation began on January 22, 2025, allegedly at the behest of the First Lady, shortly before her speech to the company’s employees. The company stated it provided extensive evidence to the ACC, which had assured Koidu on March 27, 2025, that the investigation was complete.
Koidu expressed surprise at the ACC’s public statement defending the First Lady on May 8, two days after Koidu had communicated with her. The company noted that neither the First Lady nor the government has provided any evidence or initiated court proceedings against it.
The letter also addressed accusations against representatives of an unregistered union, alleging misconduct and threatening behavior. Koidu stated it is improper to allow these individuals to return to work due to their actions.
Koidu referenced the First Lady’s past public apology for referring to government ministers as “dogs” and alleged they were “collecting brown envelopes” from the company, questioning the ACC’s response to such accusations of bribery.
The company raised concerns about the ACC’s impartiality, suggesting its actions could be seen as acting on behalf of the First Lady. Koidu requested the ACC publish its governance charter and confirm it has not received instructions from the First Lady or her associates.
Finally, Koidu urged the ACC to make similar public statements regarding its investigation into the First Lady’s alleged corruption, as reported by the Organized Crime & Corruption Reporting Project.
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