Businessman and Chief Operating Officer of Zoodlaps, David Kpakima, has strongly rejected a newspaper report claiming he has been suspended over allegations of fraud and embezzlement.
The Global Times on 9 December carried a front-page story alleging that Rasab Group Chairman and CEO, Davar Fazaeli, had suspended Mr Kpakima with immediate effect, pending an internal review into operational and financial matters.
In a statement, Mr Kpakima dismissed the report as “deliberately false”, saying it appeared designed to overshadow his recent request for a comprehensive audit of the companies he co-owns with Mr Fazaeli.
He said he is taking legal advice and will pursue appropriate action.
Mr Kpakima confirmed that he has already initiated legal proceedings in the High Court of Sierra Leone, seeking to restrain his business partner from what he describes as unlawful actions. He argued that any suspension of a Chief Operating Officer must be approved by the board of directors — something he says did not occur.
“It is self-evident that a person accused of fraud and embezzlement would not be the first to request a forensic audit,” he said, referencing the court documents filed.
Mr Kpakima added that since 2019 he has worked alongside Mr Fazaeli to build several ventures “from the ground up” into companies contributing to Sierra Leone’s economic growth and employing more than 300 people. He insisted he has acted with diligence and remains committed to national development.
He urged the public to disregard the newspaper report, calling it “false” and “baseless”, and suggested the publicity was designed to pressure him into withdrawing his claims regarding the future of the businesses.
He said the public would be informed of the outcome once the court process concludes.
The statement directs further enquiries to his solicitors, OJP Legal, in Freetown.