By Fatmata Jengbe
Jaffer Zeghir, CEO of SKM Group, is under scrutiny for allegedly orchestrating a campaign to discredit Sierra Leone’s Judiciary while also facing accusations of violating regulations governing petroleum operations. His actions, which have sparked public debate, are seen as an attempt to cast doubt on the credibility of key national institutions.
The controversy stems from a dispute between SKM Enterprise, a subsidiary of SKM Group, and Leonoil, a leading petroleum company. According to reports, SKM Enterprise prepaid for 430,000 liters of fuel but collected only 230,000 liters. The remaining 200,000 liters were subject to government-mandated price adjustments following a fuel price hike. Industry standards dictate that buyers either pay the adjusted price or accept a refund. Zeghir reportedly refused both options, leading to a legal battle.
In a contentious ruling, a lower court sided with SKM Enterprise, exempting it from paying the government taxes tied to the uncollected fuel. Leonoil, disputing the decision, filed an appeal, arguing that the ruling contradicts Sierra Leone’s tax laws and risks setting a precedent that could facilitate future tax evasion.
Despite the ongoing appeal, Jaffer Zeghir has been accused of using media outlets to challenge the Judiciary’s credibility. Reports suggest that certain journalists linked to the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) have published articles making unsubstantiated claims of corruption and bias within the judicial system.
The Judiciary, under Acting Chief Justice Nicholas C. Browne-Marke, has strongly denied these allegations. The Chief Justice emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to fairness and impartiality, as guaranteed by the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
Chief Justice Browne-Marke highlighted recent efforts to clear case backlogs, achieving a 90% resolution rate, and noted his personal involvement in over 100 cases this year. He also warned against attempts by individuals to tarnish the Judiciary’s reputation for personal or corporate gain.
“While no institution is without flaws, the Judiciary remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rule of law,” the Acting Chief Justice stated, underscoring the institution’s ongoing reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Leonoil has maintained its commitment to ethical and transparent business practices. The company reaffirmed its position that price adjustments following government directives are standard in the petroleum industry and must be respected by all parties.
“Leonoil’s appeal is rooted in upholding legal principles, fairness, and compliance with Sierra Leone’s tax laws,” a company representative noted.
The company expressed concern that the lower court’s ruling, if left unchallenged, could undermine fair business practices and encourage tax evasion in the country.
In a related development, Jaffer Zeghir faces accusations of operating beyond his legal mandate as a Filling Station dealer. Sources allege that he has engaged in large-scale procurement of petroleum products and supplied them to private entities, a role reserved exclusively for licensed petroleum marketing companies.
This alleged violation has raised concerns within the petroleum sector, as such practices could distort the market and create unfair competition. By law, Filling Station dealers are restricted to retail operations, serving end-users directly at their stations.
Industry stakeholders are urging the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) to investigate these claims promptly and take decisive action if breaches are confirmed. The PRA is expected to enforce regulations to maintain order in the sector and protect legitimate operators.
Amid these disputes, there is a growing call for all parties to respect the judicial process. Civil society groups have cautioned against using media platforms to manipulate public opinion or pressure the Judiciary.
The Judiciary, led by Acting Chief Justice Browne-Marke, continues to function with transparency and integrity. Likewise, Leonoil remains committed to ensuring fairness and accountability in its business dealings.
As the appeal progresses and allegations of regulatory breaches are investigated, the public is urged to focus on the facts and allow due process to take its course. Upholding the rule of law and respecting national institutions are critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring justice for all parties involved.
