Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL) has issued a firm and unequivocal response to recent false and defamatory allegations circulating on social media regarding the acquisition of its parent company, Sierra Rutile Holdings Limited (SRX), by Leonoil Company Limited (Leonoil).

In an official statement, SRL clarified: “Leonoil, a 100% Sierra Leonean-owned petroleum trading company, has never had—and does not have—any connection, direct or indirect, with Jos Leijdekkers (also known as ‘Bello Jos’). Neither SRX nor SRL has ever engaged with this individual in any capacity.”

The statement further emphasized that “the acquisition of SRX by Leonoil in September 2024 was conducted in strict compliance with all applicable Australian securities and anti-money laundering (AML) laws.” It added, “The transaction underwent rigorous scrutiny by Australian regulatory authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). All financial processes were fully validated as lawful, confirming adherence to AML regulations.”

SRL strongly condemned the allegations, stating, “These malicious claims are entirely false, defamatory, and without merit. SRL will not hesitate to take legal action against any individuals or entities responsible for spreading such misinformation.”

The company urged the public to disregard these baseless accusations and to rely solely on official SRL communications for accurate information.

This official response follows an audio message and a Facebook post by Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, a Sierra Leonean politician based in the United States, dated February 2, 2025. In his post, Mansaray accused SRL, Leonoil, and Andrew Kobina Walker, Chairman of the newly acquired SRL, of involvement in illicit financial activities. He further alleged that Jos Leijdekkers, a Dutch national reportedly linked to drug trafficking, had invested a significant sum in the acquisition of SRL through Leonoil in September 2024. Mansaray also claimed that Leijdekkers was residing at a newly built resort in Big Water along the Freetown/Peninsula Road, allegedly owned by Andrew Kobina Walker.

In response, many Sierra Leoneans interviewed on the matter have strongly condemned Mansaray’s attempts to tarnish the reputation of SRL, a company wholly owned by hardworking and patriotic Sierra Leoneans. They described Mansaray as a disgruntled politician whose credibility has been compromised by his past legal troubles, including a jail term at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre, from which he was later released on medical and humanitarian grounds.

“Kamarainba is among the many Sierra Leonean politicians who are neither good for themselves nor for their country,” one concerned citizen remarked.

SRL remains committed to upholding its integrity and ensuring transparency in all its operations, while safeguarding its reputation against unfounded attacks. The company has reiterated its dedication to legal recourse against those who seek to spread falsehoods and damage its standing.

End of Statement