The sureties must also be income-earners who are receiving a monthly salary of thirty million Leones.

Sureties must also be property owners with property located in the Western Area, and valued at one hundred and fifty million Leones, and the sureties must surrender their Title Deeds to the court.

Both accused persons Edward King and Soriba Kamara must also submit their travelling documents, and must not leave the jurisdiction of Sierra Leone, until the court determines the matter.

The accused persons are facing five count charges ranging from Misappropriation of Public Funds, Abuse of Office to failing to comply with the applicable procedures and guidelines.

The said offences contravene certain core sections of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act No.12 of 2008 of the country’s laws.

According to the indictments, Edward King being the acting Director in the Ministry of Information and Communications misappropriated the sum of sixty million Leones allocated to the ministry to sensitize the public about the ongoing Commissions of Inquiry.

The second accused person Soriba Kamara being the Senior Accountant in the Ministry of Information and Communications allegedly misappropriated the sum of forty three million Leones allocated to the ministry to sensitize the general public about the Commissions of Inquiry.

Both accused persons were initially admitted to bail by the Anti-Corruption Commission in the sum of five hundred million Leones, but they could not fulfill the bail conditions before the matter was charged to court.

The State was represented by Barrister A. K. Amara and both accused persons were defended by Lawyer Pious Hemoh Sesay Sr., M.J.M. Sesay and O.S. Kamara.

Hon. Justice Bintu Aladie adjourned the matter to Monday 11 February this year.