February 19, 2021
By: James Kamara-Manneh
Two Persons accused Persons of Interest in the just concluded Commission of Inquiries, Finda Diana Konomanyi (COI. App.11/2020) and Sogefel-Sarl (COI APP.71/2020) who filed in appeals against the findings of the Commissions of Inquiries appeared on the 18th January 2021, before the Court of Appeal presided by Hon. Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi.
Since the conclusion of the Commissions of Inquiries by Justice Biobele Georgewill from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Justice William Anna Atuguba from the Republic of Ghana and Justice Bankole Thompson, a Sierra Leonean judge, this is the first appearance made by Persons of Interests who were standing trials before the Honorable Justices.
During their maiden appearance before the Appeal Court Justices; Hon. Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda and Hon. Justice Tonia Barnet, the Justices unanimously gave the following directions to both the appellant/applicants’ Lawyers and the Attorney General and Minster of Justice representing the state.
1. Synopsis of the appellant/applicants to be filed and served on the respondent by the 1st February, 2021.
2. Synopsis of the respondent to be filed and served on the appellant/applicants by the 15th February 2021
3. All synopses should have their authorities attached thereto.
The Commissions of Inquiry were set up to impartially look into erstwhile President Ernest Bai Koroma, led Government especially the financial activities of Former Ministers and their Deputies, Heads of Departments and Parastatals.
The hearing date is rescheduled for the 22nd February 2021 as the adjourned date.
