By Fatima Kpaka
Firas Youssef, president and general manager of United Family Kingdom Investment, was on Friday, August 23, 2024, arraigned before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No. 1 by one of his workers Mahmoud Mansaray for failing to pay NASSIT contribution.
Defendant Firas Youssef was charged with non-registration of an employee contrary to section 30 (1)a) of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust Act 2001 and making a false representation with intent to evade payment of NASSIT.
According to the charge sheet, it is alleged that the defendant on diverse dates between 12th April and 30th July 2024 at Family Kingdom, Aberdeen employed the complainant Mahmoud Mansaray as an Information Technology (IT) officer but unlawfully failed to register the complainant with the National Social Security and Insurance Trust scheme.
It was further alleged that the defendant on the same dates and place in Freetown made false representation with intent to evade payment of NASSIT contribution for the complainant.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, he denied the allegations.
The prosecutor Lawyer Samura led the complainant in evidence as to what exactly transpired between himself and the defendant.
The lawyer representing the accused applied for bail on his behalf according to section 79 (3) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1965.
Magistrate Kekura however, granted the defendant bail in the sum of 50 thousand new Leones and one surety in like sum. The surety, he said, should be a responsible citizen and must produce his ID card. The bail should be approved by the deputy Acting Registrar.
The matter was adjourned to Monday, August 26, 2024, for further hearing.