Leonoil Resorts to Blackmail
In recent days, a dark cloud of baseless accusations and malicious intent has descended upon the Chief Executive Officer of SKM Group of Companies, Jaffar Hesein Zeghir. Detractors, driven by ulterior motives and a desire to undermine his reputation, have sought to tarnish the good image of a man whose contributions to the development of Sierra Leone are undeniably significant. The allegations of tax evasion levelled against him, particularly in relation to his dealings with Leonoil Company, are not only unfounded but have been debunked by clear evidence and legal rulings.
It is crucial to set the record straight and shed light on the truth behind these allegations that seek to unjustly smear the integrity of Jaffar Hesein Zeghir. The National Revenue Authority (NRA), the government entity responsible for collecting taxes, has unequivocally stated that it collected all due taxes at the point of purchase of the 200,000 liters of fuel bought by Jaffar Zeghir for SKM Group of Companies. This fact was further reinforced by a letter from the High Court confirming that Jaffar Zeghir did not owe any outstanding taxes to the NRA.
The High Court’s thorough examination of the matter revealed that Jaffar Zeghir had fulfilled all his tax obligations upfront at the time of purchasing the 200,000 liters of fuel from Leonoil in 2021. The total cost of the transaction, amounting to Le1,296,400,000.00 old leones, was inclusive of all applicable taxes, leaving no room for any outstanding liabilities. Justice Samuel Taylor of the High Court, in his judgment, ordered Leonoil to return the purchased fuel to Jaffar Zeghir and directed both parties to determine the associated costs in a fair and transparent manner.
It is regrettable that certain media outlets have chosen to propagate fake and misleading stories without providing a balanced perspective on the matter at hand. Among the misrepresentations circulated is the false claim that Jaffar Zeghir had purchased 430,000 liters of fuel from Leonoil, when in reality the transaction involved only 200,000 liters. Furthermore, the assertion that he failed to collect the fuel or was unaware of a potential government-mandated price hike lacks any basis in truth.
Jaffar Zeghir, a respected businessman and philanthropist, has been unfairly targeted by individuals seeking to sow seeds of doubt and discord. His commitment to ethical business practices, community development, and adherence to taxation laws is evident in his track record of contributing positively to the growth of Sierra Leone. The attempts to besmirch his reputation not only harm his personal integrity but also cast a shadow over the legitimate endeavors of SKM Group of Companies in advancing the country’s economic landscape.
It is imperative for the public to discern fact from fiction and uphold the principles of fairness and justice when evaluating claims made against individuals like Jaffar Hesein Zeghir. The truth, as revealed through legal investigations and official statements, exonerates him from any wrongdoing and reaffirms his unwavering commitment to honesty, transparency, and upholding the law. In times of adversity, it is essential to stand by those who exemplify integrity and resilience, rather than succumb to the agendas of those who seek to obscure the truth for their own gain.