The South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria and accredited to Sierra Leone – His Excellency Kim Young Chae on Wednesday September 8, 2021, paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police (IG) Dr. Ambrose Michael Sovula, at his George Street office in Freetown.
Receiving the Ambassador, IG Sovula recalled the warm reception he received in Nigeria when he paid a courtesy call on the Korean Ambassador in the city of Abuja, in August 2021. He spoke on the in-depth investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) into the death (suicide) of a Korean businessman in Sierra Leone. Revealing that the investigation aims to unearth what could have precipitated the suicide. He furthered that the investigation was progressing well; having already reached the stage of analysing and reviewing the available evidence, with the view to determining the circumstances of the suicide and culpability, where appropriate. Dr. Sovula hinted that the next stage of the investigation will be to transfer the case and enquiry file to the Law Officers Department for their legal advice.
IG Sovula assured that whoever the investigation might identify as culprit(s) would be dealt with in accordance with the law; adding, that the investigation was and still devoid of any interference from any quarters. IG Sovula also revealed that following the demise of the Korean national, the SLP proactively stepped in to provide security for his property and business interests left behind, until the investigation’s final outcome.
He called for technical cooperation and strong bilateral relations between Korea National Police and the Sierra Leone Police especially in areas of training and capacity building. Finally, the IGP said that he was not in any way averse to signing cooperation agreement with the Korean Police Force akin to that which he signed in Abuja with the Inspector General of Nigeria Police Force in August 2021.
Responding, Ambassador Kim Young Chae appreciated IG Sovula for the hospitality accorded him and his entourage which included his wife. He thanked the IG for the special interest he has shown towards the investigation of the demised Korean businessman in Sierra Leone and commended the tremendous progress made so far.
As a way to maintain and strengthen strong bilateral and technical ties between the two nations, Ambassador Chae called for continuous mutual respect and dignity for all Koreans and the people of Sierra Leone. He introduced his Police attaché and urged the SLP management to work with him on any issues of mutual interest and benefits to the two police institutions.
Ambassador Chae revealed plans to host cultural celebrations in Sierra Leone next year which the IG promised to support in terms of ensuring safety and security of the impending celebrations. The IGP however urged the Ambassador to ensure that the Embassy works with the appropriate line ministries, departments and agencies to secure approval for hosting the celebrations in Sierra Leone.
Climaxing the visit was dressing of the Ambassador and his entourage with traditional Sierra Leonean costumes as sign of continued friendship and acceptance.
SLP Media Team
08/09/2021
