Kalie Barrie, the Financial Secretary to the Wellington Community Development Association, which was established in 2001, has reportedly absconded with Le90 million. This disclosure was made during a news conference held on Tuesday 11th December, 2018 at Portee Plaza, east of Freetown.
Mr. Joko Browne, Secretary of the Organization, told this medium that Kalie Barrie was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the funds of the Association, while also providing financial updates on monies spent on projects, also including other organizational expenses such as payment of volunteers and other permanent staff members.
He continued that Mr. Kalie Barrie was supposed to provide an update on the finances of the organization on the 3rd December, 2018, but they later learnt that he has left his residence.
Unconfirmed reports, he went on, have stated that Mr. Barrie left the shores of Sierra Leone with all the funds of the Association.
Mr. Browne informed the nightwatch that the matter has been officially reported to the Police and public notice has also been issued, where members of the public have been asked to make available any information leading to his arrest. A handsome reward of Le10 Million has placed on the line.
A man, who identified himself as Osman Barrie and the younger brother of Mr. Barrie, told this medium that a group of youths, who identified themselves as members of the Wellington Community Development Association, have approached him at his residence in the morning hours of Saturday, forcefully demanding all financial documents relating to the organization.
“I told them that they have no right to invade my premises with such violence and arrogance, and authoritatively instruct me to surrender documents to them relating to their organization,” he stated.
Mr. Osman Barrie even disclosed that the youths have threatened to kill him and his brother.
He maintained that even though a bank statement, with a current account at the Rokel Commercial Bank, was shown to them, the desire of these angry youths, according to him, was to cause mayhem to his brother, thus failing to wait for the action of the police. Mind you they have reported this matter to the police for investigations.
Kalie Barrie, who was born and raised in Freetown, has been spotted in Kabala heading for the Republic of Guinea. Before his escape he told the Police that the youths, with allegiance to the SLPP, had earlier accused him of squandering or siphoning donor funds or converted the same to his own personal use.
“This, according to him, is not true,” Barrie told the nightwatch.
Barrie further told the Police that the ultimate aim or motive of these youths is characterized by hatred, strong animosity and feelings of resentment.
As it stands, Kailie Barrie remains a subject of Police investigation for allegedly absconding with 90 million leones belonging to the Wellington Community Development Association. Members of the public are urged to supply the Criminal Investigations Department of the Sierra Leone Police with any news relating to his whereabouts.