The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has raised concerns about the detention of approximately 496 inmates in Sierra Leone prisons. According to CHRDI, these inmates are being held under circumstances that may be unlawful. The organisation conducted a monitoring exercise on 14 October 2026 at the Freetown Male and Female Correctional Centres. CHRDI's findings indicate that some inmates have been detained for more than 72 hours without indictment.
CHRDI's monitoring exercise also revealed that some inmates are being held on expired remand warrants. Others are being detained without warrants, while some have spent more than 12 months on remand without being indicted by the High Court. These circumstances raise concerns under Sections 17 and 23 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone. The sections provide safeguards relating to personal liberty and the protection of the law.
The human rights organisation has written to the Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service. CHRDI is demanding a full list of inmates held at the Freetown Male and Female Correctional Centres under circumstances that may be unlawful. The organisation has given the Correctional Service three working days to respond to its request under the Right to Access Information Act, 2013.
CHRDI is preparing to file writs of habeas corpus to seek the release of individuals it believes are being unlawfully detained. Habeas corpus is a legal procedure through which a court can examine the lawfulness of a person’s detention. The court can order appropriate relief where the detention is found to be unlawful.
The organisation stressed that no person should remain in detention without lawful authority. CHRDI called for action to address the cases identified during its monitoring exercise. The organisation is concerned about the welfare of inmates being held unlawfully.
CHRDI's findings have significant implications for the Sierra Leone Correctional Service. The organisation's actions are aimed at ensuring that the rights of inmates are protected. The Sierra Leone Correctional Service has not commented on the allegations.
The case highlights the challenges facing the Sierra Leone justice system. CHRDI's efforts aim to promote accountability and transparency in the detention of inmates. The organisation's actions are expected to have a positive impact on the protection of human rights in Sierra Leone.
Key points
- CHRDI identifies 496 inmates allegedly held unlawfully in Sierra Leone prisons.
- The organisation is preparing to file writs of habeas corpus to seek the release of individuals it believes are being unlawfully detained.
- CHRDI has given the Correctional Service three working days to respond to its request under the Right to Access Information Act, 2013.
