The Anti Corruption Commission preferred several charges against both accused persons ranging from Conspiracy to Commit a Corruption Offence and Misappropriation of Donor Funds, contrary to Section (37) sub section (1) of the Anti Corruption Act of 2008.
It is further alleged that Isha Johansen being the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association and Christopher Kamara being the Secretary General, respectively and dishonestly appropriated donor funds in the sum of twenty four million, seven hundred and fifty thousand Leones (Le24,750, 000).
The money in question according to the Anti Corruption Commission was purportedly endorsed in the name of the 1st accused person, Isha Johansen as payment of a loan given to the Sierra Leone Football Association by her husband, Arne B. Johansen between 12 June 2014 and 30 July 2014.
Both accused persons are also alleged to have misappropriated the sum of six thousand, five hundred and seven thousand Leones purportedly for traveling expenses, per-diem and allowances of one Mohamed Ola Marrah, the personal assistant to Isha Johansen, when he is not an employee of the Sierra Leone Football Association.
The second accused person, Christopher Kamara of No. 8 Kroo Town Road in Freetown; being the Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Football Association dishonestly appropriated the sum of five million, five hundred thousand Leones on 10 December 2015 and on 11 December 2015, purportedly as payment for the use of his personal computer in carrying out his duties as Secretary General of the association.
During cross-examination of the second accused person, Christopher Kamara by the Anti Corruption Commission lawyer Zimbabwean-born Calvin Mantsebo, he testified that on 17 June 2014 the executive of the Sierra Leone Football Association conveyed a meeting, wherein certain decision was taken in the interest of the association.
He informed the court that it was during the association’s executive meeting held on 17 June 2014 that the suspended President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Isha Johansen made a financial request to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to the second accused person, Christopher Kamara the executive of the association conveyed another meeting, wherein the Finance Officer, Jonathan Leigh officially confirmed that the Confederation of African Football had provided financial assistance to the association to the tune of fifty thousand United States Dollars on 17 July 2014.
He further testified that the money was meant for competitions, administrative expenses and payment of salaries, adding that the money in question was withdrawn from the Sierra Leone Football Association US Dollar account and utilized for the intended purpose.
He further informed the court that the said money was utilized in compliance with the Confederation of African Football basic standards, guidelines and regulations relating to football administration.
At this stage of proceedings, the Anti Corruption Commission lawyer, Calvin Mantsebo wanted to tender an audited report of the association, but it was not in his possession, neither could he trace it in the registrar’s file.
Both accused persons, Isha Johansen and Christopher Kamara were represented by Barrister Africanus Sesay, U. Koroma and Aminata Sillah from Tanner Legal Chambers.
Hon. Justice Reginald Fynn adjourned the matter to Friday 24 January 2019.
