FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leonean businesswoman Admire Bio, also known as “Mama of Freetown” and a niece of President Julius Maada Bio, remained in detention at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters on Wednesday as police continued investigating allegations that she orchestrated a multimillion-dollar fake gold fraud targeting two Italian retirees, followed by their armed robbery.
Police have refused bail for Bio, who was taken into custody earlier this week. Authorities are also seeking her husband, Alhaji Dauzy (or Dauda) Jalloh, in connection with the case.
The two Italian victims, retirees who invested their retirement benefits in Sierra Leone at Bio’s invitation, allege they paid approximately USD 220,000 to $300,000 (roughly Le 55–75 billion) for what turned out to be fake gold. Following the transaction, the men were reportedly held at gunpoint and robbed of cash and personal effects along the Mile 13 area just outside Freetown by individuals allegedly linked to the suspect.
Veteran journalist Idrissa Salam Conteh (Atomic Pen) has publicly shared photographs of the two Italians, who provided police with evidence, including bank transaction receipts. The victims are seeking full restitution of their funds and belongings.
No formal charges have been publicly confirmed in court, and Sierra Leone Police have not issued an official statement. Sources indicate additional evidence continues to emerge pointing to a coordinated scheme.
The case has drawn widespread attention in Sierra Leone, raising concerns about the risks of high-value mineral deals involving foreign investors and the integrity of such transactions in the country.
Bio’s social media presence has been largely inactive since news of the investigation surfaced.
