Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 3, 2025 – Leonoil Company Limited and Sierra Rutile Limited have announced their intention to pursue legal action against Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray following allegations he made in a recent audio recording.
In the recording, Mansaray claimed that an individual named Jos Leijdekkers, also known as “Bello Jos,” invested illicit funds into Leonoil, which were then used to acquire Sierra Rutile Limited.
In a statement released today, Sierra Rutile Limited categorically denied any connection between Leonoil and Leijdekkers. The company emphasized that Leonoil is a fully Sierra Leonean-owned petroleum trading company with no direct or indirect ties to Leijdekkers. Furthermore, neither Sierra Rutile Holdings Limited nor Sierra Rutile Limited has ever engaged with Leijdekkers in any capacity.
“The acquisition of Sierra Rutile Holdings Limited by Leonoil in September 2024 was conducted in full compliance with Australian securities and anti-money laundering laws. The transaction underwent thorough scrutiny by Australian regulatory bodies, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), both of which confirmed that all financial processes adhered to legal standards and AML regulations,” the Company stated.
Leonoil and Sierra Rutile have labeled Mansaray’s allegations as “entirely false, defamatory, and without merit,” warning that they will pursue legal action against individuals or entities responsible for spreading the misinformation.
They have demanded a full and unequivocal public apology from Mansaray, cessation of further publication of the defamatory statements, indemnity for costs incurred in addressing the matter, and a proposal for damages to compensate for the harm caused to their business and reputation.
Should Mansaray fail to comply with these demands, the companies have stated their intent to pursue legal action against him in Sierra Leone and the United States, where he currently resides. They have emphasized that any such legal proceedings will seek significant damages and costs.
The public is urged to disregard the false claims and to rely solely on official communications from Leonoil and Sierra Rutile for accurate information.
