Since President Julius Maada Bio assumed office in April 2018, numerous opposition politicians and party supporters in Sierra Leone have faced arrest and imprisonment. A review of media reports, human rights documentation, and publicly available records has identified several notable cases. These cases involve various allegations, including property damage, assault, incitement, corruption, and involvement in an attempted coup. The list below highlights some of the documented cases, although it is not exhaustive.
The most recent case involves Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who was remanded in October 2026 following a dispute at the Supreme Court. Kamara made remarks during proceedings concerning constitutional amendment cases, leading to a courtroom confrontation. Despite apologizing, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda ordered his detention on contempt-related charges. This incident has drawn attention to the detention of opposition figures during Bio's presidency.
Zainab Sheriff, a popular entertainer, political activist, and APC flagbearer aspirant, was arrested in February 2026 and remanded at the Female Correctional Facility in Freetown. She faced allegations of incitement and threatening language due to remarks made at an opposition gathering. Sheriff denied the allegations, arguing her comments aimed to prevent election rigging, not incite violence. After repeated bail refusals, she was sentenced to four years and two months in prison in April 2026.
Lansana Dumbuya, the APC Secretary-General, was remanded at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre in Freetown in February 2026. He faced charges including incitement, insulting conduct, and public insult against the President, stemming from remarks made at a political gathering. Dumbuya had previously been detained and released before his subsequent court appearance and remand. His case is still ongoing.
Other notable cases include Bai Mahmoud Bangura, the APC National Organising Secretary, who was arrested in November 2023 over the failed coup attempt in November. He faced treason-related proceedings and was granted bail in July 2024 due to health issues. Mohamed Bangura, an APC Member of Parliament, was remanded in September 2022 on charges including assault, obstruction, intimidation, and riotous conduct. Yabom Sesay, the Tonkolili District Council chairlady, was also remanded alongside Mohamed Bangura over the same incident.
Kemoh Sesay, the former Transport and Aviation Minister and APC presidential aspirant, was remanded in May 2022 on charges of cyberstalking and bullying. He was granted bail and released four days later. Emmanuel Saidu Conteh, an APC Member of Parliament, was arrested in July 2021 alongside three others over firearms and ammunition in a vehicle. They were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal importation, and unlawful possession of arms and ammunition.
Additional cases include Alfred Paolo Conteh, the former Defence Minister, who was arrested in March 2020 for carrying a firearm into State House. He was acquitted of treason but convicted of firearms-related offences and sentenced to 24 months' imprisonment. Sylvia Blyden, the former Social Welfare Minister, was arrested in May 2020 over social media posts critical of President Bio and the government. The charges against her were later dropped following the repeal of criminal and seditious libel provisions.
Key points
- Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara's recent remand has renewed attention on opposition politicians detained since President Bio's presidency began.
- The cases involve various allegations, including incitement, assault, corruption, and involvement in an attempted coup.
- At least 23 APC members and supporters were sentenced to prison terms in August 2019 following a court case.
