10/06/2025
THREATS TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH; WARRANT OF ARREST ISSUED TO THE CHAIRLADY OF VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS.
In a recent move by the Sierra Leone Police, this medium understands that a warrant of arrest has been issued to Madam Mabel Akuwa Roberts, the chair lady of the Voice For the Voiceless organization. A recent report shows Madam Roberts was out of the country due to safety concerns.
However, sources closer to her informed this medium that the warrant was issued upon her arrival from the United States of America, where she had gone on vacation. The reason for the warrant is yet unknown, but the report says it's linked to her critique of the ruling government and her stance in support of the opposition party, the All Peoples Congress.
The advocate and fearless leader who has been targeted by the ruling government due to her strong criticism was once reported to have been severely assaulted by some ruling government party members-- an incident that resulted in personal damages and some of her properties missing.
In late 2022, Madam Roberts was detained at the criminal investigation department headquarters after being invited for questioning. This medium understands that the incident was highly motivated by some government officials.
As her safety became a threat, Madam Roberts was reported to move and settle somewhere in the provincial areas to continue her work. Quite disappointingly, in 2022, her husband was arrested due to her absence.
Similarly, the chairman of the Voice For the Voiceless, Hassan Dumbuya alias Sampson, who moved to settle in Makeni for fear of safety was brutally killed during a cross-fire operation by the police on August 14th 2022, after an anti-cost of living demonstration on August 10th degenerated into a violent clash between security forces and young protesters.
Dumbuya, who has been a social media influencer and member of the opposition party, has been using his voice through the organization to advocate for change in the country. The killing of Sampson, which sparked outrage, was necessitated after members of the Voice For the Voiceless organization were alleged to have been involved in the protest.
Investigation conducted by our team also shows that in July 2023, Madam Roberts succumbed to several assaults, including an incident where she was reported to have been attacked and r***d by some unknown individuals, leaving her in a state of limbo.
Since the SLPP party assumed office in 2018, our investigation proved that one individual whose life is in danger is Madam Roberts. Her fearless and uncompromising attributes to advocate for better reforms were seen as a vehement opposition and a threat to the ruling government.
In view of the aforementioned, the recent move by the SLP has been described as an avenue to silence the voice of opposition members and those who speak truth to power.
"Running after opposition members has been the order of the day for this government. What else has Madam Roberts done to deserve this?" a concerned citizen asserted.
Following this development, it remains unclear what will be her next move but Expo Times Newspaper has been informed that she intends to leave Sierra Leone to seek asylum in an unknown location due to fear of safety and security.
It's noteworthy that Madam Roberts arrived from the US on November 21st 2024. The warrant is believed to have been issued on November 13th, raising several concerns among citizens.
