By: Problyn J Alpha
The remains of Abass Kabia, who reportedly died while on duty at the Gold Lion Mining Company Sierra Leone Limited concession in Kumaro, Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District, on August 29, 2026, have finally been laid to rest at the Samandu Cemetery in Koidu City.
Kabia’s burial followed funeral prayers held at the Tunner Street Mosque in Koidu City, attended by family members, friends, colleagues and other mourners.
The deceased’s remains reportedly spent nearly two weeks at the Koidu Government Hospital mortuary amid a dispute over the circumstances of his death and the alleged liability of Gold Lion Mining Company Sierra Leone Limited.
The company had reportedly disputed claims that Kabia was its employee at the time of his death.
However, a leaked attendance record for July, bearing Chinese and English inscriptions and titled “Gold Lion Company SL Limited Attendance Record for JAI Fleet Underground Staff,” reportedly lists Kabia as the second name under the Mining Workshop section, with his occupation identified as a mining truck driver.
According to information obtained by this newspaper, Gold Lion Mining Company, which had initially disputed Kabia’s employment with the company, was represented on the eve of the burial by its Public Relations Officer, Sahr Emmanuel Bona.
Bona reportedly presented a funeral contribution of Le5,000 to the bereaved family on behalf of the company.
The presentation reportedly triggered a disagreement involving the PRO, members of the Broadway Gym and relatives of the deceased, with some family members and supporters reportedly viewing the gesture as inappropriate in light of the unresolved dispute surrounding Kabia’s death.
The funeral contribution was, however, later accepted by members of the Broadway Gym and the bereaved family on traditional grounds.
Members of the Broadway Gym, which spearheaded the funeral arrangements together with the deceased’s family, commended Paramount Chief Aiah Delton Bona of Nimikoro Chiefdom for what they described as his timely intervention in ensuring a peaceful and dignified burial.
They described the Paramount Chief as not only a traditional leader but also a father figure and peace ambassador for his role in helping to resolve tensions surrounding the burial.
The circumstances surrounding Kabia’s death and the question of responsibility remain subject to differing accounts.
Until his death, Kabia was reportedly a former underground mining truck driver, a driver and first aider for Diamond Stars Football Club, a driver attached to the Orange Kono office, and a former gym instructor at Broadway Gyming School in Koidu City.
The dispute over his employment status and the circumstances surrounding his death has continued to generate concern among his family, colleagues and members of the Koidu community.