Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL) has on Sunday February 2, 2025, categorically denied recent social media allegations linking its parent company, Sierra Rutile Holdings Limited (SRX), and its new owner, Leonoil Company Limited (Leonoil), to criminal activities.

The company described the claims as false, defamatory, and entirely baseless.

Leonoil, a fully Sierra Leonean-owned petroleum trading company, has never had any direct or indirect connections with Jos Leijdekkers, also known as ‘Bello Jos,’ a figure reportedly linked to illicit activities.

SRX and SRL have confirmed that they have never engaged with this individual in any capacity.

SRX was acquired by Leonoil in September 2024, a transaction that was carried out in full compliance with all relevant Australian securities and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. The deal was subjected to thorough scrutiny by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). Both regulatory bodies validated the acquisition’s legality, confirming adherence to AML laws and financial integrity.

“These malicious allegations are entirely false and without merit,” SRL stated in its official response.

“We will not hesitate to take legal action against any individuals or entities responsible for spreading defamatory claims.”

The company further urged the public to disregard such misinformation and to rely on official communications from SRL for accurate information.

The controversy began when Mohamed K. Mansaray, in an audio message and a Facebook post dated February 2, 2025, accused Sierra Rutile Limited, Leonoil, and Kobi Walker, the Chairman of the newly acquired Sierra Rutile Limited, of being involved in illicit financial dealings.

Mansaray’s post alleged that Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious figure reportedly involved in drug trafficking, had invested substantial amounts of money in the purchase of Sierra Rutile Limited through Leonoil in September 2024. He further claimed that Leijdekkers was residing at a newly built resort in Big Water, along the Freetown Peninsula, allegedly owned by Andrew Kobina Walker. The post accused Leijdekkers of using Sierra Leone as a hub for drug-related money laundering.

The allegations have been widely condemned by multiple sectors, dismissing them as unsubstantiated and politically motivated attempts to discredit reputable individuals and institutions in Sierra Leone.

Kamarainba Mansaray, a convicted rapist who was recently released on medical grounds, has been actively engaging in similar unverified accusations on social media. His statements have sparked significant backlash, with many viewing his actions as part of a broader campaign to spread misinformation.

In response to his continued controversial activities, the Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), which he once led, has officially expelled him. The party’s National Advisory Executive Council reviewed his conduct and cited his criminal conviction and anti-party activities as grounds for his removal.

As the situation unfolds, SRL remains firm in its stance against misinformation, emphasizing its commitment to transparency, legal compliance, and corporate integrity in Sierra Leone’s business landscape.