The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has indicted Francis Lavai, a volunteer attached to the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA), over the alleged misappropriation of a portable ultrasound machine valued at US$38,000.
The Commission announced the indictment in a Press Release issued on Tuesday, 4 August 2026.
Francis Lavai, who was attached to the NMSA warehouse at Fawaz Compound, Ferry Junction in Freetown, faces one count of misappropriation of public property. The alleged offence is contrary to Section 36(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008, as amended by the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Act of 2019.
According to the particulars of the offence, the alleged misappropriation occurred between 1 December 2025 and 31 January 2026 at the Bo District Medical Stores in the Southern Province.
The ACC alleges that Francis Lavai misappropriated one portable black-and-white convex ultrasound machine belonging to the Ministry of Health.
The medical equipment formed part of a consignment donated under the Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme for distribution to public health units across Bo District.
The Commission said the indictment demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding public assets and ensuring that individuals entrusted with Government property are held accountable under the law.
“The Commission wishes to reassure the general public of its unwavering commitment to protecting public assets and ensuring that all persons entrusted with public property are held accountable in accordance with the law,” the ACC stated.
The indictment represents a formal criminal charge and does not constitute a conviction. Francis Lavai is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
