By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, 6th February 2025 – A significant defamation lawsuit has emerged in the High Court of Sierra Leone, where businessman Kobi Walker has initiated legal action against Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray. The case centers around allegations that Walker claims have damaged his reputation and credibility.
Kobi Walker, the former Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Ltd, asserts that Mansaray’s audio recordings and social media posts, released on February 2 and 3, 2025, falsely link him to a drug trafficking syndicate and financial mismanagement in the acquisition of Sierra Rutile Limited. The claims suggest that a notorious cocaine dealer was allegedly concealed at Walker’s under-construction resort near York Village, associating him in illegal activities.
In response to these allegations, the High Court issued a writ summoning Mansaray to appear within 14 days. If he fails to comply, Walker may proceed with the case in Mansaray’s absence.
Walker is seeking several legal remedies, including:
- A court declaration that Mansaray’s statements constitute libel.
- A retraction and public apology, to be published in three widely read national newspapers.
- Compensation for damages suffered due to the defamatory statements.
- A permanent injunction preventing Mansaray from making further defamatory remarks.
- An order mandating the removal of the controversial posts from social media.
The writ, served by Jones, Bittar & Davies Law Firm on February 6, 2025, officially names Mansaray, who is currently residing in the United States, as the defendant. The document warns Mansaray to enter an appearance within 14 days, failing which the court may proceed in his absence.
The lawsuit is based on audio and written statements attributed to Mansaray, including a WhatsApp voice recording in which he claims Walker played a central role in an alleged drug trafficking syndicate and misused funds through Leone Oil to acquire Sierra Rutile. Additionally, a Facebook post dated February 2 and 3, 2025, alleged that Walker was complicit in laundering illicit funds through the transaction.
The lawsuit outlines a series of claims made by Mansaray, including:
- Accusations that Walker facilitated the purchase of Sierra Rutile using proceeds from cocaine trafficking.
- Allegations that a drug dealer was hidden at Walker’s unfinished resort at York Village.
- Claims that the takeover of Sierra Rutile was executed through questionable financial dealings involving Leone Oil.
- Statements suggesting Walker paid journalists to attack Mansaray in response to the allegations.
Walker’s legal team asserts that these statements are false and damaging, affecting his professional and personal standing. The lawsuit seeks not only financial compensation but also a public correction of the claims.
This case underscores the growing challenges of defamation in the digital age, where unverified allegations can spread rapidly and cause irreversible harm. It also raises questions about accountability in public discourse, particularly concerning allegations involving high-profile business transactions and organized crime.
A preliminary hearing date has been scheduled, and both parties are expected to present their arguments in the coming weeks. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar legal battles involving social media defamation in Sierra Leone.