By Musa Paul Feika
Magistrate Mark Ngeba, who presides over at the Industrial High Court No.1, in Sierra Leone, has on Saturday 8th May, 2021, ordered the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Agriculture Finance Officer, Mohamed C. Bah, to immediately pay ninety three million, nine hundred and seventy nine thousand, four hundred and seventy seven Leones and seven cents, which he owes to the Trust.
He further cautioned Mr. Bah to instantly pay twenty percent (20%) of the said sum or face two years jail term at the Male Correctional Centre, Pademba Road in Freetown.
Magistrate Ngeba also asked Mr. Bah to pay forty percent (40%) between the months of June 2021 and September, 2021.
The accused is arraigned before the court on one count of failing to pay NASSIT contributions, which is contrary to Section 32 (1) (c) of the NASSIT Act No. 5 of 2001.
The charge sheet states that the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Agriculture (SLCIA) officer, Mohamed C. Bah, being an establishment under the NASSIT Act No.5 2001, on diverse dates between March 2014 and September, 2020, at No. 24 Charlotte Street in Freetown, failed to pay NASSIT contributions for his workers.
When the charge was read to the accused, he pleaded guilty. He further pleaded with the bench to give him time to pay the said amount. But his plea was ignored.
The matter was adjourned to 15th May, 2021.