By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on Wednesday 8th January 2025 announced the sale of a four-story residential and commercial building located at 4A Jones Street, Kissy, Freetown, following a High Court order.
The property, owned by Mohamed Sheku Turay, a convicted former banker, is set to be sold to recover the huge sum of over Le 3.9 million new Leones in restitution owed to the state.
Mohamed Sheku Turay was convicted in July 2021 on two counts of corruption-related offenses. As a former employee of Rokel Commercial Bank, Turay was found guilty of misappropriating funds belonging to the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). The High Court, presided over by Justice Simeon Allieu, ordered him to pay a fine of Le 100 million (old Leones) or serve a ten-year prison sentence. In addition, he was directed to pay restitution of Le 3,920,145,262 old Leones on or before the 30th of September 2021.
While Turay paid the court-imposed fine, he failed to fulfill the restitution order. Efforts by the ACC to recover the funds were unsuccessful, as Turay fled the country. As a result, the ACC sought and obtained a High Court order to sell his property to recover the funds.
The building, described by valuators as a four-story residential and commercial complex situated on 0.0602 acres or 0.7 town lots, is now being offered for sale. Interested buyers have been given the go ahead to inspect the property and submit purchase proposals until 31st January 2025.
This decisive action by the ACC underscores its commitment to recovering public funds and ensuring that individuals convicted of corruption are held accountable. The sale of the property is a critical step in enforcing the rule of law and safeguarding Sierra Leone’s resources.