Freetown, October 22nd 2025 –The High Court of Sierra Leone, presided over by Justice Adrian Fisher, on Tuesday continued proceedings in the ongoing defamation suit filed by the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) and its Managing Director, Yusufu Abdul Silla, against the New Age Newspaper.
The matter, which centres on allegations of defamatory publications, lists SLCB as the first plaintiff and Mr Silla as the second plaintiff, with the New Age Newspaper named as the first defendant. Mr Silla appeared in court as the first witness for the plaintiffs and gave oral testimony in support of his claim.
Led in evidence by counsel for the plaintiffs, Yeawoma Gborie Esq., Mr. Silla was asked whether he was aware of any legal action previously instituted against the bank. In response, he stated that he was not aware of such proceedings. However, under cross-examination by defense counsel Sigismund Austin Conteh Esq., Mr. Silla acknowledged that he was, in fact, aware of the matter.
In his testimony, Mr. Silla described the publications in question as false and damaging, asserting that they adversely affected both his professional standing and personal reputation. He referenced a specific headline published by the New Age which read: “SLCB MD Yusufu Abdul Silla to Pay Le10 Billion for Estate Fraud.” He emphasized that the use of the word “fraud” carried serious implications, particularly given the bank’s dealings with international partners and a loyal customer base. He further testified that the publication prompted calls of concern from friends, family members, and business associates.
When asked by Mr. Conteh whether any of those concerns were documented in the court filings, Mr. Silla admitted that they were not.
Mr. Silla also informed the court that prior to the publication, he received a text message from an unknown number inquiring about the alleged matter. He said he referred the sender to the bank’s Director of Corporate Affairs, who is authorized to speak on behalf of the institution. He followed up with a phone call to ensure that the Director responded appropriately. “As I speak, I am not aware of any matter, and I have not been dragged to court as the New Age stated,” Mr. Silla told the court.
Justice Fisher adjourned the matter to Wednesday, 29th October 2025, noting the sensitivity of the case and the need for careful consideration of all testimonies. The court is expected to hear from additional witnesses at the next sitting.
