The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) wishes to inform the public that it has entered into a settlement agreement with the former Minister and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Youth Affairs, Mr. Bai Mahmoud Bangura and Mr. Adekalie Samura respectively, and Civil Society Activist and Director of Anti-Violence Movement, Mr. Bernard Conteh, in respect of investigations into funds provided to the Sierra Leone Movie Stars by the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA), for the procurement of media equipment and production of movie showcasing Sierra Leone’s development.
According to findings of our investigations, the sum of Three Hundred Million Leones (Le 300,000, 000) was received by Mr. Bai Mahmoud Bangura from RMFA on behalf of the Sierra Leone Movie Stars. The money was then disbursed into the Account of the Anti-Violence Movement, as the Sierra Leone Movie Stars did not have a functional Account at the time of the disbursement. Seventy-Five Million Leones (Le75,000,000) of the said money was then requested for by Mr. Bai Mahmoud Bangura; which the Executive Director of Anti-Violence Movement authorized. No proper account of the said funds was given by the former Minister. Mr. Adekalie Samura, as Permanent Secretary, approved these improper financing arrangements when knowing fully well that there are no supporting documents attached. Two Hundred and Twenty Million Leones was also misappropriated by the Anti-Violence Movement.
According to the agreement reached with the ACC, as settlement, Mr. Bai Mahmoud Bangura will pay back the total sum of Seventy-Five Million Leones (Le 75,000,000), being the full amount misappropriated, Mr. Adekalie Samura, will pay back the total sum of Five Million Leones (Le5,000,000); whilst Mr. Bernard Conteh will pay back a total sum of Two Hundred and Twenty Million Leones (Le 220,000,000)* being the full amount misappropriated, totalling Three Hundred Million Leones (Le300, 000,000). Mr. Bai Mahmoud Bangura has paid back the sum of Thirty Five Million Leones (Le35, 000,000).
