Author: gleanernewspaper

The international network connected to Brabant cocaine baron Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers has suffered yet another major setback. Abdullah Alp Üstün, a Rotterdam-based Turk known as “Don Vito,” was arrested in Dubai two weeks ago and has been extradited to Turkey. The Turkish Minister of the Interior shared images of the transfer on X, showing Üstün blindfolded and seated in a private jet flanked by masked officers; another man believed to be a key figure in the same organisation, Hassan Lala, also appears on the plane.  Turkish prosecutors allege that Üstün and Lala played key roles in laundering significant proceeds…

Africell has launched its “Wel Body” Initiative as part of Africell Health Awareness Day 2025, a workplace wellness program designed to encourage employees to live healthier lifestyles. The event featured free on-site HIV, hepatitis, blood pressure, and blood sugar screenings, as well as health education and wellness talks. Dr Samba Jalloh, Vice President of the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association, described the program as “a lifelong investment in the health and well-being of its workforce,” emphasising the importance of regular check-ups and awareness in preventing chronic disease and increasing productivity. Dr Fatmata Taqi, Africell’s Talent Development Director, believes the…

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio joined young master farmer Sherilyn Cowan in Taiama Town for a symbolic harvest on her privately owned 60-hectare maize farm, which is run by Sherilyn’s Enterprise for National Change (SENC) and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). The Feed Salone vision aims to transform agriculture into a commercially viable sector that creates jobs, strengthens food security, and promotes national self-sufficiency, and the event was held to highlight this goal. Provides a sustainable path for community empowerment and economic growth. “Feed Salone is more than just a government programme; it…

Sierra Leone’s Judiciary, through its Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI), has ended a two-day capacity-building programme for thirty-eight magistrates from across the country to familiarise them with the new Criminal Procedure Act of 2024. The training is part of Chief Justice His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda’s larger reform agenda to improve judicial efficiency and administration of justice. According to the Chief Justice, the professional development sessions are designed to keep magistrates up to date on the Act’s provisions and to improve their ability to apply the law effectively in court. He also praised JLTI’s careful selection of training facilitators…

Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, has officially launched a series of nationwide stakeholder consultations to transform the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) from a traditional “force” to a modern, service-oriented institution. The initiative began in Port Loko, North-West Region, with Dr Jalloh addressing a packed town hall meeting, the first of many planned public events. Dr Jalloh stated that the consultations are intended to ensure inclusivity and foster a broad national dialogue on police reform. The transition’s stated objectives include increasing professionalism, improving welfare and infrastructure, and expanding training for police officers. Three strategic pillars underpin the reform:…

Karpowership has formally handed over a fully renovated Variety Children and Family Services Home in Kingtom, Freetown, as part of a new round of corporate social responsibility initiatives in Sierra Leone. The handover ceremony on Friday, October 10, 2025, marked the end of a comprehensive refurbishment funded by the company and reinforced Karpowership’s commitment to continuing to support vulnerable children in the country. Emre Durmusoglu, Karpowership’s Commercial Operations Director, stated that the company invested around $70,000 in the project. The funds were used to replace and upgrade the building’s structure, furniture, equipment, and utilities, resulting in a more conducive and…

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Agnes Bio The high-profile Dutch cocaine trafficker accused of orchestrating large-scale shipments into Europe has reportedly sought refuge in Sierra Leone after fathering a child with President Julius Maada Bio’s daughter, according to opposition figures. Jos Leijdekkers, 34, also known as “Chubby Jos,” is said to have spent more than two years in the West African country while being sought by authorities throughout Europe.  Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, the opposition leader, has publicly stated that the president’s daughter, Agnes Bio, gave birth to Leijdekkers’ child in New York. Mansaray claims that the Bio administration has sheltered the fugitive and obstructed efforts…

Sierra Leone has formally become a member of the International Energy Forum (IEF), an intergovernmental body that fosters dialogue among governments, industry and other stakeholders in the global energy sector. The decision aligns with Freetown’s broader strategy to accelerate development of its energy industry by deepening ties with international partners and accessing technical and policy expertise. The timing of Sierra Leone’s accession coincides with several major domestic initiatives. Authorities are moving forward with plans for a national oil refinery, preparing for the country’s first offshore drilling campaign since 2012, and preparing to launch a new licensing round scheduled for October…

Following the symbolic opening of the 76th UNHCR Executive Committee plenary, Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), paid a courtesy visit to Ambassador Dr Lansana Gberie and the staff of Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission in Geneva. The visit took place at the Palais des Nations, which is currently hosting the ExCom 2025 session. During their meeting, the two leaders had substantive discussions about Sierra Leone’s legislative and legal instruments that provide services to displaced citizens, refugees, and stateless individuals. They examined national policies and programmes that promote protection, reintegration, and social inclusion, as…