The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Isha Johansen has protested her innocence after she was released on bail from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Thursday night.
Johansen, who spent a night in detention, has written a heartfelt statement declared herself innocent of any alleged corruption accusation against her and was ‘shocked and humiliated’ following her arrest.
She also said she had not received any police charges.
“Events over the past 48 hours involving my arrest by the Anti-Corruption (Commission) and subsequent custody by the CID left me shocked and mortified,” she said in her statement hours after she was set free.
“I am happy to report that I have been released without any charges. My innocence in any allegation/s involving corruption or related offences is undisputed. she said.
“My fourteen-year career in football administration globally and nationally has from the onset been centred around bringing INTEGRITY and GOOD GOVERNANCE into football in the belief that healthy football family can contribute to creating a healthy nation.
“I thank the numerous well-wishers from every nation, creed and gender, whose prayers and cries echoed through the walls where I was held overnight.
“Sierra Leone football is on a journey and every road has its bumpy patch. We are back on the road again… God bless you all and thank you for the love.”
Johansen’s arrest and detention came just after the Sierra Leone Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced Operation Thunderbolt.
Ady Macauley, head of the ACC, confirmed that he ordered the arrests of the FA boss Isha Johansen, vice president Brima Kamara and secretary general Christopher Kamara.
Macauley said the investigations related to “donor funds” from the world football governing body, FIFA, but did not give further details.
A Fifa spokesperson told this medium on Wednesday that they are yet to receive any official confirmation, however, they are monitoring the situation.
“At the time of writing, we haven’t received any official information we are therefore not in a position to comment. We will monitor the Situation.”
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