Koidu Limited Sued for $36 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Wage Discrepancies

Koidu Limited Sued for $36 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Wage Discrepancies

Koidu Limited is currently defending a high-stakes class action lawsuit brought by 850 former employees following a period of industrial unrest and subsequent dismissals. The plaintiffs are seeking US$36,857,979.45 in restitution for alleged systemic salary shortfalls spanning several years.

During recent proceedings before Justice Tonya Barnett, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Janisa E.F. Momodu, detailed the contractual basis for the claim. Central to the litigation is the case of first plaintiff Amara Rogers.

Evidence presented indicates that while Mr. Rogers' 2025 contract stipulated a monthly salary of US$2,572—which should have converted to approximately NLe 58,281.52 based on official exchange rates—actual disbursements were as low as NLe 16,726. The legal team asserts that this pattern of underpayment was consistent across the entire group of affected workers from 2019 through early 2025.

The plaintiffs' argument rests on both common law precedent regarding unilateral wage reductions and Section 54 of the Sierra Leone Employment Act 2023. Ms. Momodu emphasized that the workers never consented to these salary adjustments nor were they privy to any purported side agreements. The claim seeks not only the principal unpaid wages but also interest, NASSIT contributions, and damages for breach of contract.

In response, defense attorney Drucil Taylor has requested an adjournment to review the extensive case files and has signaled intentions to file a counter-summons. Justice Barnett has adjourned the matter until March 18, 2026, for further deliberation.