Freetown, Sierra Leone – Renowned businessman Samuel A. Beckley, a leading figure in the vehicle spare parts industry, has come forward to address recent media reports portraying him negatively.
These reports follow the issuance of a bench warrant and accusations of lawlessness, which he believes are attempts to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
Beckley, known for his integrity and dedication to his business at No.2 Campbell Street, expressed his surprise at the bench warrant issued due to an alleged failure to appear in court.
The charges were brought by Solicitor Demba Barrie. Beckley explained that he first learned of the warrant while preparing to attend court, through a broadcast on Radio Democracy, 98.1 FM.
The case, under the jurisdiction of Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No.2, involves a private criminal summons. The warrant was issued when Beckley did not appear at the scheduled time. The charges against him include allegations of using threatening and abusive language against Barrie via WhatsApp calls.
Providing context, Beckley detailed the origins of the dispute, which began with a business transaction involving spare parts. He had previously shipped parts for Barrie at no cost but requested Barrie cover the fees for a subsequent shipment due to increased volume and costs. Beckley claims Barrie resisted this request.
The spare parts, valued at approximately $2,000, along with freight and customs fees of Nle 10,000, were initially covered by Beckley. When Barrie refused to pay, Beckley stored the parts at Mubarak Store from February to April, incurring an additional Le 1,000 storage fee.
Beckley alleges that Barrie, unwilling to pay the costs, sought to damage his reputation by orchestrating the bench warrant’s issuance without proper legal procedures. He further claimed that Barrie and his father visited his shop, issuing threats and disrupting his business, alarming customers.
In response, Beckley reported Barrie to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly threatening his life and making other serious threats. He also revealed that Barrie had allegedly contacted his children, threatening to imprison their father.
Asserting his respect for the legal process, Beckley emphasized his commitment to resolving the matter through appropriate legal channels.
“I respect the legal process and have no intention of evading it,” Beckley stated. “I am committed to resolving this matter appropriately and ensuring that the truth comes to light.”
