By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has secured the conviction of two customs officers of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Akmed Karim and Mary Banya, on two counts of corruption offences, following a High Court judgment delivered in Freetown.

The conviction was handed down on Thursday, December 18, 2025, by the High Court of Sierra Leone sitting in Freetown, presided over by the Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Alieu, JA. The court found Akmed Karim, of No. 49 Matindi House, Brookfields, Freetown, and Mary Banya, of No. 26 Parsonage Street, Kissy, Freetown, guilty on two counts each of corruption-related offences.

Both convicts were customs officers attached to the National Revenue Authority and were, at the time of the offence, stationed at Queen Elizabeth Quay II in Freetown. They were charged and convicted on two counts of Soliciting an Advantage and Accepting an Advantage, contrary to Section 28(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008.

According to the evidence presented by the prosecution, the offences were committed on February 28, 2019. The court heard that Akmed Karim and Mary Banya jointly solicited and received the sum of Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Old Leones (Le 2,500,000) from a staff member of Bolloré Logistics. The illicit payment was demanded in order to facilitate and fast-track the clearing process of a 40-foot container owned by Juan Ruiz, an American businessman.

The Anti-Corruption Commission, through its prosecution team, adduced what the court described as sufficient and credible evidence to establish the elements of the offences beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution demonstrated that the accused persons abused their positions as public officers by demanding and receiving an unlawful advantage in the course of performing their official duties.

In delivering sentence, the Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Alieu imposed a custodial sentence of three years’ imprisonment on each of the convicts. Alternatively, the court ordered that each convict may pay a fine of Sixty Thousand New Leones (NLe 60,000) on the two counts.

The conviction is being hailed by the Anti-Corruption Commission as another significant milestone in its sustained efforts to combat bribery, abuse of office, and other corrupt practices within public institutions, particularly at revenue-generating points of entry such as the ports.

In a statement following the judgment, the Commission reassured the general public of its unwavering commitment to fighting corruption at all levels, emphasizing that no public officer is above the law. The ACC reiterated that it will continue to investigate, prosecute, and secure convictions against individuals who abuse their offices for personal gain, regardless of their status or position.

The Commission further encouraged members of the public and the business community to report all acts of bribery and corruption, assuring them of confidentiality and protection under the law. According to the ACC, public cooperation remains critical in strengthening integrity, accountability, and transparency in public service.

The case forms part of the ACC’s broader anti-corruption drive aimed at promoting good governance, safeguarding public resources, and restoring public confidence in state institutions. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/high-court-jails-two-nra-customs-officers-over-bribery-at-queen-elizabeth-quay/