Sacked minister faces fresh corruption charges

Anti-corruption prosecutors in Sierra Leone have opened fresh charges against former Fisheries Minister Haja Afsatu Kabba. The sacked minister is accused of misappropriation of public funds and abuse of office.

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Haja Afsatu Kabba charged in Freetown

Kelvin Lewis in Freetown

Scores of supporters, some dressed in their red party colours, filled the courtroom as Kabba made her second appearance before an anti-corruption judge.

Prosecutor Calvin Matsebo brought out seven new charges, much to the surprise of the defence lawyers. 

The fresh charges claim that the former minister misappropriated 310 million Leones - nearly 60 thousand euros - and she abused her office by employing her sons without having them go through the proper hiring procedures. 

But what shocked the defence lawyers most was that the prosecutor asked that the initial 17-count indictment, released some six weeks ago, be suspended while the new charges are tried. The trial judge Justice Nicolas Browne Marke granted the suspension.

Outside the courtroom, lead defence lawyer Blyden Jenkins Johnston told reporters that he suspected mischief. 

"They should have given us the names of the witnesses to start with, and then they should have given us, and then they should have given us a summary of the evidence fo the witnesses which they intend to read. None of that has happened," said Johnston.

"So it's all a secret, it's all trial by ambush as far as we see it." 

Leaving court, the solemn looking Afsatu Kabbah was encouraged by her supporters, who crowded round her car holding placards and chanting "Back to office". 

The trial continues in two weeks' time.