By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has addressed concerns regarding the nature of the investigation involving the former Immigration Boss, Andrew Jaiah Kai Kai, who is accused of receiving luxurious cars as gifts during his tenure in office.
These allegations emerged in the past two weeks after the ACC raised questions about Kai Kai’s failure to declare these luxurious vehicles until recently.
Patrick Sandy, Head of Outreach Media and Public Relations at the Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone, has clarified the matter and assured the public that the ACC is conducting a professional and thorough investigation into the corruption allegations against the former Immigration Boss, Kai Kai, Esq.
Sandy emphasized, “The process will be as thorough as required in an investigation process.”
In recent times, the ACC confiscated three vehicles belonging to Andrew Jaiah Kai Kai, the former Chief Immigration Officer. However, the confiscation of these vehicles has sparked controversy regarding the investigation process.
Many argue that the seizure of the vehicles was unjustifiable, including Abdulai Dumbuya, a friend of the former CIO, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the ACC’s actions.
While calling for calm, Sandy clarified that there is no specific law that directs the ACC to seize the vehicles. He explained, “What we should understand is that, in the course of an investigation, if there is anything relevant to the investigation, it can be seized, confiscated, and held.”
Sandy could not provide a specific time frame for the investigation but emphasized the need for patience, stating that the public should await the outcome of the investigation. In contrast, Dumbuya urged a speedy investigation, noting that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
According to Sandy, the action to seize the vehicles aligns with their operational procedures. He stated, “So, if an investigation involves vehicles given to a public official as a gift, it is clear that in the course of the investigation, those vehicles are needed.”
Awoko Newspaper’s findings reveal that the political appointee declared his assets on August 7, 2023, while still serving as the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) and was appointed to another office on August 30 of the same year.
While some argue that the ACC should have taken action to halt Kai Kai’s interview at the House of Parliament, Sandy believes that the ACC would not have addressed the issue regarding his assets before he went through the parliamentary process.
Sandy also could not confirm whether Kai Kai declared his assets before his appointment. He explained that the ACC has a substantial number of asset declarations on file. The focus of the investigation concerning the former Immigration Boss is to inquire into his asset declaration before his appointment and the circumstances surrounding the gifted vehicles.
Sandy stated, “At the moment, we do not have that information; it is coming to us for the first time.”
While the ACC Act provides for penalties for public officers found guilty of receiving gifts while in public office, Sandy could not speculate on what would happen to Kai Kai’s dignity and respect if he is not found guilty. Instead, he urged the public to await the outcome of the investigation. SKS/3/11/2023