The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered the misappropriation of four billion old Leones from the Freetown City Council (FCC) accounts, according to Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, March 6, 2025, Commissioner Kaifala revealed that certain officials at the FCC allegedly diverted council funds into the bank account of the Freetown City Council Football Club (FCC FC).
He explained that the FCC FC account was initially overseen by Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr but that she withdrew her signature from the account in 2022, leaving three individuals in charge.
Investigations found that some payments meant for the FCC were instead directed into the football club’s account, bypassing the council’s main account.
The Commissioner clarified that Mayor Aki-Sawyerr had no involvement in the alleged corruption and had been fully cooperative with the ACC’s probe.
“The Council’s revenue was under attack. Certain officials were diverting payments from billboard fees and other transactions, sharing the proceeds among themselves,” Kaifala disclosed.
The investigation also revealed that bankers from the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank and Mortgage Bank were complicit in facilitating the illegal transactions.
The ACC has vowed to pursue those involved as part of its commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability in public institutions.
