Nightwatch Newspaper

09/10/2026

For A Bold & Vibrant Start… Minister Swarray Displays High Diplomacy -A New Chapter For Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs
There are moments in public service when leadership is tested not by how loudly a minister speaks, but by how courageously he confronts difficult problems.

For Sierra Leone’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, his first engagement with the diplomatic community has offered an encouraging indication of the kind of leadership he intends to bring to the Ministry.

The meeting, held at the Ministry in Freetown, brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, representatives of the United Nations, the European Union, the World Bank and other development partners.

But what made the engagement particularly significant was the Minister’s decision to address an issue that has attracted considerable public attention and concern: allegations surrounding irregularities in visa processing.

Rather than avoiding the controversy, Minister Swarray placed it on the table.

In public administration, confronting an uncomfortable issue openly is often the first step towards restoring confidence. The Minister’s willingness to acknowledge the concerns and disclose that an investigation had been conducted sends a message that the new administration at the Ministry is prepared to face challenges rather than hide them.

The allegations became more prominent following a complaint by former ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, Hon. Sidi Mohamed Tunis, concerning an alleged United States visa facilitated for an individual who purportedly presented himself as his Personal Assistant without his knowledge.

Such allegations are serious because the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not an ordinary government institution. It represents the face of Sierra Leone before the international community.

Its credibility is therefore inseparable from the country’s diplomatic standing.

Against this background, Minister Swarray deserves commendation for moving swiftly to establish an investigation committee and for informing the diplomatic community that the committee has completed its work and submitted its findings.

The Minister also deserves credit for his tone. He did not appear interested in presenting Sierra Leone as a country without problems. Instead, he acknowledged the need for transparency, accountability and professionalism within the Ministry.

That approach can help strengthen confidence among Sierra Leone’s international partners.

For a country seeking greater foreign investment, stronger development partnerships, expanded trade opportunities and deeper diplomatic relations, credibility matters enormously.

Investors and development partners do not only look at policies and economic figures. They also look at institutions, systems and the integrity of public officials.

A Ministry responsible for diplomatic relations, visas, passports, diplomatic clearances and international correspondence must therefore operate with the highest standards of professionalism.

Minister Swarray’s early intervention provides an opportunity to strengthen those standards.

However, the Minister’s good start must now be followed by sustained action.

Sierra Leoneans will naturally want to know what the investigation established and what measures will follow. While sensitive or classified information may not be appropriate for public disclosure, the Ministry can still communicate the broad findings and the corrective measures being implemented.

Where individuals are found culpable, appropriate disciplinary action should follow in accordance with the law and established procedures.

More importantly, the Ministry should use this moment to strengthen the visa processing system.

Technology can reduce unnecessary human discretion, improve tracking and create clear accountability at every stage of the process. Every application should have a transparent trail showing who received it, who processed it and who approved it.

The United States Embassy, ECOWAS and other relevant diplomatic partners should also be reassured that Sierra Leone takes such concerns seriously and is putting measures in place to prevent a recurrence.

His willingness to engage the diplomatic community, confront a sensitive institutional issue and speak openly about accountability deserves recognition.

But leadership is ultimately measured by results.

If Minister Swarray can translate this early openness into institutional reforms, accountability and a more professional foreign service, his tenure could mark an important turning point for Sierra Leone’s diplomacy.

The message from his maiden engagement is therefore encouraging: the Minister has opened the door to a new chapter.

What the country now needs is for him to walk through that door with courage, consistency and action. For now, Minister Swarray deserves to be hailed for confronting the difficult questions early. The expectation is simple: let the good start become lasting reform.

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09/10/2026

By Janet A Sesay

The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone headed by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has issued directions governing the hearing of three consolidated constitutional matters, setting out timelines for the filing and exchange of pleadings and written submissions by the parties.

The order was made by the presiding Judge Chief Justice followed by other four judges at the panel on Thursday, October 8, 2026, following the consolidation of the related causes before the Supreme Court.

Under the order, the parties are required to file a memorandum specifying the issues agreed upon for determination at the hearing of the consolidated cause within 14 days.

The ruling said the Defendant/Applicants office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice have also been directed to file and serve their Statement of Case within 10 days of the order.

The Plaintiffs/Respondents headed by Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara in turn, required to amend, file and serve their Statement of Case within 10 days of receiving the Defendant/Applicants’ Statement of Case.

The Supreme Court further directed the Registrar to maintain a single consolidated file and record for the consolidated cause.

The Court also clarified the role of the party admitted to participate in the matter as amicus curiae.

According to the order, the amicus curiae’s participation extends to the consolidated cause but shall be confined to making submissions of law on the questions raised by the parties.

The amicus curiae has been barred, at this stage, from raising new issues, seeking new reliefs or advancing the case of any of the parties.

The Court further directed that the amicus curiae shall not participate in interlocutory applications unless specifically invited by the Court to make submissions on a particular issue.

The parties have also been ordered, within 10 days of the order, to serve the amicus curiae with a list of all relevant documents and processes filed in the causes that have been consolidated.

In addition, every party is required to serve the amicus curiae with any process filed in the consolidated matter within 10 days of its filing.

The Court further directed the amicus curiae to file and serve a final written address, together with a list and bundle of authorities, in accordance with the Court’s directions.

The order is expected to guide the further proceedings and hearing of the consolidated constitutional matters before the Supreme Court.

Earlier the Solicitor General Osman I Kanu made a submission before the court where he urged the Supreme Court to consolidate three related constitutional matters concerning the interpretation and application of Section 108 of the 1991 Constitution.

Making the submission before the Supreme Court, counsel Kanu argued that the requirements prescribed under Section 108 are mandatory and must govern the passage of any Bill seeking to alter the Constitution, particularly where such an alteration concerns Section 6 of the constitution.

He submitted that the three matters arose from the same transaction relating to the passage of the Bill on 10 August 2006 and involve substantially similar constitutional questions.

According to counsel Kanu, the matters involve the same defendants and are represented by the same counsel, making consolidation desirable in the interest of judicial efficiency and the proper administration of justice.

Counsel Kanu further argued that hearing the matters separately could result in conflicting or inconsistent submissions, directions or decisions on identical constitutional questions.

He maintained that consolidation would also help avoid unnecessary delays and costs to the parties while allowing the Court to determine the common legal issues in a single proceeding.

In support of the application, counsel referred the Court to authorities previously cited, including a matter involving the Chief Electoral Commissioner and two others, as well as Supreme Court Citation No. 1 of 2007 and Supreme Court Citation No. 2 of 2007.

He told the Court that those matters were considered together by the Supreme Court on 26 July 2007 because they concerned the same subject matter relating to the then Vice President’s contest in the 2007 elections.

Addressing the affidavit filed in support of the application on 2 September 2026, counsel Kanu relied particularly on paragraphs 10 and 11, which he said demonstrated the practical convenience and interest of justice in having the three matters heard together.

The Solicitor General further submitted that the matters raise identical or substantially similar questions of law, particularly concerning Sections 91(1), 94(2), 108 and 171 of the 1991 Constitution.

He identified as a central question for determination whether the requirement prescribed under Section 108 is mandatory in relation to any attempt to alter the constitutional position under Section 6.

Counsel Kanu argued that the common legal issues affecting the parties made it undesirable for the matters to proceed separately, as doing so could create a risk of conflicting directions or judgments on the same constitutional questions.

He therefore submitted that consolidation would provide a practical means of avoiding inconsistencies while promoting the efficient administration of justice.

In support of the application, counsel referred the Court to Order 4 Rule 4(1) of the High Court Rules, the Supreme Court Act 1982 and relevant provisions of the 1991 Constitution.

He submitted that where the rules governing the original and supervisory jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal do not expressly provide for a particular matter, the practice and procedure applicable in the High Court may apply, mutatis mutandis.

Counsel further relied on Order 4 Rule 4, which provides for the joining or consolidation of matters where a common question of law or fact arises, where the rights or reliefs claimed arise from the same transaction or series of transactions, or where, for any other reason, it is desirable for the matters to be heard together.

He maintained that the present application meets those requirements, arguing that the three constitutional matters raise common questions of law and substantially similar reliefs.

Counsel Kanu therefore urged the Supreme Court to consolidate the matters rather than allow them to proceed separately.

He reiterated that the central issue before the Court concerns the interpretation of the relevant constitutional provisions and whether the requirement under Section 108 constitutes a mandatory constitutional requirement in any attempt to alter the constitutional position under Section 6.

The Supreme Court is expected to determine whether the circumstances of the three matters justify their consolidation in the interest of judicial economy, consistency and the fair administration of justice.

Counsel Kanu concluded by urging the Court to grant the relief sought by the defendants in the Notice of Motion dated 11 September 2006, relying on the grounds advanced in support of the application.

Lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Africanus Sesay and Bamine Davies in reply said they have no objections to the statements of motion made by solicitor General Osman I Kanu.

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09/10/2026

Big Test For Jagaban -Turning Political Strength Into APC Unity
By Janet A Sesay

As Mohamed Omodu Kamara's aka Jagaban influence becomes increasingly visible in the APC's internal elections, the bigger question is no longer whether Jagaban can compete, but whether his growing strength can help build a united party needed for the battles ahead.

The ongoing internal elections of the All People's Congress are doing more than determining who occupies party positions.

They are also revealing the organisational strength, grassroots reach and political influence of the forces seeking to shape the APC's future.

Among the clearest developments so far has been the growing presence of Sheikh Alhaji Mohamed Omodu Kamara, popularly known as Jagaban.

Across several areas, the Jagaban political machinery has demonstrated organisation, resilience and an increasing ability to compete effectively at grassroots level. The pattern is emerging from the internal elections shows it has strengthened and the perception that Jagaban is no longer merely one aspirant among many.

-HE IS INCREASINGLY BEING VIEWED AS A SERIOUS FORCE WITHIN THE APC.

Political strength creates political responsibility.

The next phase of Jagaban's journey cannot be measured only by the number of internal elections his supporters win, the delegates associated with his movement or the structures his camp is able to secure but the bigger test is whether that strength can now be transformed into what the APC needs most which is "unity".

“A politician can use strength to dominate opponents, A leader uses strength to bring people together.”

-THE BIGGER ELECTION COMES AFTER THE INTERNAL ELECTIONS.

Internal elections are naturally competitive. Candidates organise camps, mobilise and supporters fight passionately for positions but the APC's ultimate objective is not to defeat one APC camp with another but the real objective is to build a party strong enough, broad enough and united enough to compete nationally.

When internal elections end, yesterday's opponents must still be able to work together and supporters of different aspirants must still wear the same party colours and district and constituency executives must ultimately serve the same political institution which is the APC.

For Jagaban, this presents both an opportunity and a test of leadership as the transition now required is from camp leader to party bridge-builder which means reaching beyond loyalists, respecting those who supported rival aspirants and opening political space for experienced stakeholders, young people, women, grassroots organisers and those who may not currently identify with the Jagaban movement.

No single camp can deliver the APC the national victory it seeks.

-THE NATIONAL COALITION MUST BEGIN NOW.

Internal party victories matter, but they are not the final destination. The larger political battle lies beyond the party structures.

Sierra Leone's electorate includes young people worried about jobs, families concerned about the cost of living, farmers seeking opportunity, entrepreneurs looking for access to capital, communities demanding infrastructure and citizens searching for leadership they can trust.

Winning internal party contests is therefore only one stage.

The APC's eventual flagbearer must be able to speak not only to delegates and party loyalists, but to voters across the country that national coalition cannot begin after the flagbearer election but It must begin now.

If the grassroots organisation being demonstrated today becomes a platform for reconciliation, inclusion and party rebuilding, then its importance will extend far beyond internal victories.

-UNITY MUST BE MORE THAN A SLOGAN

Every internal party contest creates winners and losers but what matters is what happens next.

Real unity requires winning candidates to avoid triumphalism, t requires losing candidates to remain engaged, It requires party elders to mediate rather than inflame tensions and it requires flagbearer aspirants to remember that today's opponent may be tomorrow's strongest ally.

Jagaban's growing influence gives him an opportunity to help set that tone. Where his supporters win, they should govern inclusively, where disputes arise, dialogue should replace retaliation, where political opponents are defeated, they should still be treated as part of the APC family and that is how political strength becomes institutional strength.

-A MOMENT BIGGER THAN ANY ONE ASPIRANT

The APC is approaching a defining period as different aspirants will continue to campaign, different camps will continue to compete and that is part of democracy.

The party must never allow the flagbearer contest to become more important than the APC itself.

For Jagaban, the questions are becoming increasingly important like can his movement expand beyond its original base? , Can his political organisation welcome those who previously stood on the other side?, Can his growing strength become a force for reconciliation rather than division?.

Those questions may ultimately matter more than any single district result.

Jagaban's political strength is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore and his next challenge is larger to prove that the same organisation which is capable of winning political battles can also help bring the APC together.

-THE BIGGER ELECTION IS STILL AHEAD.

The APC will have a far greater chance of succeeding if it enters that contest not as competing camps, but as one party with one purpose.

-WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS

FROM MOMENTUM TO RESPONSIBILITY.

Jagaban's performance in the APC internal elections has strengthened perceptions of his grassroots organisation and national reach.

-FROM CAMP TO COALITION

The next stage requires expanding beyond core supporters and building relationships with members aligned to other aspirants.

-UNITY AFTER COMPETITION

Internal elections will produce winners and losers, but the APC's strength will depend on how effectively both sides are brought back together.

-EYES ON THE NATIONAL CONTEST

The ultimate political battle is not within the APC but It is the wider national election where the party will need a broad coalition capable of reaching beyond its traditional base.

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09/10/2026

I Will Be Back -JFK Tells The Court
By Janet A. Sesay

Lead counsel in the ongoing constitutional matter before the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), has told the Court that his appearance in the case is aimed at defending the Constitution and ensuring that the constitutional questions before the Court are properly determined, rather than promoting any personal or political interest.

The statement came during a tense exchange between Lawyer Kamara and Chief Justice Komba Kamanda during proceedings on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

The confrontation followed concerns raised by the Chief Justice over remarks allegedly made by Lawyer Kamara during the previous day’s proceedings. The Chief Justice described the remarks as “terribly derogatory” to the personality and integrity of the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the country.

Chief Justice Kamanda said what had transpired the previous day was completely unnecessary, stressing that the Supreme Court has considerable powers to act within the confines of the law.

He also called on Lawyer Kamara to retract the statement he had allegedly made publicly, emphasizing that the matter before the Court was constitutional in nature and should be determined without obstruction.

The Chief Justice described the comments attributed to Lawyer Kamara as contentious and an affront to the personality and integrity of the Court.

He therefore gave the lawyer an opportunity to issue a public apology, warning that failure to do so could result in him being cited for contempt of court and potentially barred from appearing before the Supreme Court.

“The choice is yours,” the Chief Justice told Lawyer Kamara.

Responding, Lawyer Kamara said he had listened carefully to the concerns raised by the Court and understood the issues surrounding what had transpired.

He explained that, as a lawyer, he had a professional duty to his clients and was required to pursue their interests to the best of his ability.

However, he stressed that his responsibilities extended beyond his clients, saying he also owed a duty to the State and the nation.

Lawyer Kamara maintained that he was before the Court to defend the Constitution and ensure that the constitutional questions before it were properly determined, rather than to promote any personal or political interest.

He described the case as one of significant national importance and said he intended to give it his best because of the potential implications for the country.

According to him, the matter was not about him personally or any individual, but about ensuring that the constitutional questions raised received proper judicial consideration.

He further maintained that he would continue to pursue the matter on behalf of his client, stressing that the issues before the Court were too important to be treated lightly.

He concluded by emphasizing the need for the matter to be resolved through the proper legal process and in the interest of the nation.

At that stage, the proceedings briefly stood down. When the Court resumed, the other Justices also addressed the issue.

Lawyer Kamara subsequently offered an apology. However, the Chief Justice expressed concern that he remained reluctant to fully comply with the Court’s demands.

The Chief Justice then instructed Lawyer Kamara to remove his wig and stand in the dock. Lawyer Kamara reportedly refused to comply with the order.

Following his refusal, the Chief Justice ordered his arrest.

The arrest brought a dramatic turn to the proceedings, as Lawyer Kamara was taken into custody and subsequently sent to Pademba Road Prison.

During his arrest, Lawyer Kamara turned to members of the Bar and said: “I will be back.”

The Chief Justice thereafter adjourned the constitutional matter to October 13, 2026.

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09/10/2026

Dear Valued Customer
Dear Valued Customer,

We sincerely apologize for the service disruption encountered earlier today.

The service has now been restored.

We regret any inconvenience this may have caused and thank you for your patience and understanding.



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08/10/2026

Over Alleged Embezzlement… Police Officer Behind Bars
By Janet A Sesay

Thirty-nine-year-old Mendayga Salia, a police officer and civil servant, has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 on an allegation of embezzlement.

Salia is facing one count of Embezzlement, contrary to Section 17(2)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the particulars of the offence, on a date unknown between July 1 and September 28, 2026, in Freetown, the accused, being employed by the Inspector General of Police, allegedly fraudulently embezzled Le104,200 and US$900, said to be equivalent to Le22,140, bringing the total value to Le126,340, property of the Sierra Leone Police.

When the charge was read and explained to Salia, no plea was taken, as the matter is before the court as a committal proceeding.

The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Dellia Wellington, informed the court that a copy of the case and inquiry file had been served on defence counsel.

Defence counsel, M.A. Turay Esq., applied for bail on behalf of the accused. Counsel argued that Salia is a Sierra Leonean resident within the jurisdiction of the court and would not abscond if granted bail.

Counsel made the application pursuant to Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.

However, Magistrate Jah refused the bail application, citing the seriousness of the alleged offence.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to October 13, 2026.

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08/10/2026

Robbery At Ministry Of Finance -Man Jailed 36 months
By Hassanatu I. Conteh

Magistrate John Manso Fornah of the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 has sentenced Alpha Umaru Newland to 36 months imprisonment for larceny and malicious damage involving property belonging to the Ministry of Finance.

The convict was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment on Count One and 18 months on Count Two, with both sentences ordered to run concurrently at the Male Correctional Centre.

The court heard that on Monday, March 23, at the Ministry of Finance on George Street, Freetown, Newland stole one generator control system copper cable valued at Le137,000 and two 100-amp batteries valued at Le4,500 each, bringing the total value of the stolen property to Le146,000, property of the Ministry of Finance.

The particulars of the offence further stated that on the same date and at the same place, the convict maliciously damaged one set of generator control system copper cable valued at Le137,000, property of the Ministry of Finance.

Newland appeared before Magistrate Fornah to answer to Larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act, 1916, and Malicious Damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act, 1861.

During the proceedings, the convict was convicted on the two counts and the matter proceeded to sentencing. In his ruling, Magistrate Fornah took into consideration that the convict was a first-time offender and had pleaded for mercy.

The Magistrate further considered the circumstances of the case before imposing the sentences. On count one, Magistrate Fornah sentenced Newland to 36 months imprisonment.

On count two, he sentenced the convict to 18 months imprisonment.

The Magistrate ordered that both sentences run concurrently at the Male Correctional Centre. He further ordered that the period already spent by the convict in custody be taken into account as part of the sentence. The court accordingly concluded the matter with the said order.

Front Page NewsNews Robbery At Ministry Of Finance -Man Jailed 36 months By Emmanuel Christian Thorli - October 6, 2026 0 2 FacebookXPinterestWhatsApp By Hassanatu I. Conteh Magistrate John Manso Fornah of the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 has sentenced Alpha Umaru Newland to 36 months impriso...

08/10/2026

Over Alleged Assault… Couple In Court
By Hassanatu I. Conteh

Magistrate John Manso Fornah at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 is hearing a matter involving a couple who are facing two counts of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (AOABH), contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

The accused persons are 50-year-old Alie Sulaiman Kamara and 52-year-old Yallie Kamara.

According to the charge sheet, CP No. 184/2026, the accused persons allegedly assaulted one Alpha Bangura and Alie Bangura on Wednesday, 28th January, 2026, at Fostan Drive, Smart Farm, in the Freetown Judicial District, in a manner occasioning actual bodily harm.

Testifying as Prosecution Witness No. 2 (PW2), DPC 12177 Julius Fumaru, attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Congo Cross Police Station, told the court that the matter was assigned to him for further investigation on 22nd May 2026.

He said that on 24th May 2026, he and DPC 15179 Kellun PV invited both accused persons to the police station, where they obtained their caution statements separately.

According to PW2, both accused persons were cautioned and questioned in Krio, while their statements were recorded in English.

He further told the court that after the interview, the statements were read over and explained to the accused persons in Krio, after which they admitted them to be true and correct by affixing their right thumbprints.

The witness said the thumbprints were witnessed by DPC Kellun, while he signed as the recorder.

The statements were subsequently tendered in court and admitted as Exhibits C1-C3 and D1-D3.

PW2 further testified that on 18th June 2026, he and DPC Kellun formally charged both accused persons with the offence of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm, following the required procedure.

The matter has been adjourned to 12th October 2026 for the continuation of PW2's testimony and further evidence.

Front Page NewsNews Over Alleged Assault… Couple In Court By Emmanuel Christian Thorli - October 8, 2026 0 2 FacebookXPinterestWhatsApp By Hassanatu I. Conteh Magistrate John Manso Fornah at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 is hearing a matter involving a couple who are facing two counts of...

08/10/2026

European Union Sanctions -Government Fooling The People
Despite its impact on the economy and livelihoods, government is reportedly downplaying EU sanctions imposed on Sierra Leone few days ago.

The sanctions involve aid cut and a blanket travel ban on all government officials as stated by Dutch Justice Minister, David Van Weel.

As a result of the sanctions, Sierra Leone stands to lose 18 million dollars in aid this year and worse next year as the country is projected to lose about 20.5 million dollars.

But, government says the sanctions is not a "new punitive measure," a claim that has raised questions about the effectiveness of the EU action. The claim by government is however refuted by socio-economic analysts coming from the perspective that the drug situation triggers the sanctions.

The analysts argue that EU has never stopped its usual budgetary support to Sierra Leone not until when the drug dispute erupted.

Although the people fear the impact of the sanctions, government officials are however not worried as they know that the such actions will bite men in the streets while those in government positions will make a way through.

Locally generated revenue is enough to take care of salaries, wages, impress, fuel, ward robe and annual leave allowances for public sector workers just to keep government running.

But, the people are on the wrong end as no major development project has been initiated and implemented by government since the inception of the drug trade in Sierra Leone.

President Bio, after the 2023 general elections, has never carried out any capital intensive project owing to aid cut enforced by the development partners. Government could not construct the much-trumpeted Freetown-Lungi bridge which would have endeared the Bio regime to the people of Sierra Leone.

To minimise its failure in the eyes of the people, government has defended its action by stating that the construction of the bridge is not a manifesto promise. However, Sierra Leone budget deficits were being financed by the European Union as confirmed by the records and several media reports.

European Union, before this time, has been providing budgetary support to government's cash-trapped budget, but the new sanctions regime will see the end of such financial support to a government that is desperately in need of funds to run the state. Every year, Sierra Leone's annual estimated revenue could not meet its expected expenditure, and development partners particularly European Union comes in to cushion the financial burden, but the sanctions means that the inter-state body has taken a new path.

EU sanctions are announced for the alleged harbouring of Europe's most wanted drug trafficker, Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Bolle Jos, in Sierra Leone.

Locally, the wanted man is being called Umar Sheriff. Reports show that he has been convicted of drug-related offences in several courts in different European countries and could run a cumulative jail term of close to 100 years. But, he is currently in hiding to escape justice.

Leijdekkers phenomenon is a complex one on the global stage as Sierra Leone has been branded a narco-state owing to his presence.

The drug baron had gained a notoriety for manufacturing and shipping huge tons of Co***ne from Sierra Leone to several countries in the world, turning the country into a drug hub.

Videos first posted on media platforms by Sierra Leone's First Lady, Fatima Bio, portrayed Leijdekkers attending a church service in a small town in Southern Sierra Leone.

The drug manufacturer and trafficker is allegedly to share close ties with Sierra Leone's first family as he is said to be a son-in-law to President Julius Maada Bio.

Leijdekkers reportedly marries the President's daughter who is born by another woman other than Madam Fatima.

The drug lord's continued presence in Sierra Leone has recently caused a diplomatic row between Netherlands and Sierra Leone.

The conflict began when Dutch authorities' requested the extradition of Leijdekkers to serve his jail term for drug-related crimes.

Sierra Leone government, on the other hand, has repeatedly turned down the request saying they have no drug fugitive in Sierra Leone.

Europe, United States and other countries are yet be convinced with such stories which they say are made-up.

An undercover investigation recently embarked on by a Dutch journalist confirms the presence of Leijdekkers on Sierra Leonean soil. The allegation of shielding Leijdekkers from justice by the Sierra Leonean authorities was confirmed by the arrest, detention and subsequent expulsion from Sierra Leone of the Dutch journalist who was here to gather the facts about the wanted drug trafficker.

At the time of the search about the whereabouts of the drug lord, credible sources informed Nightwatch Press that the undercover journalist had closed in on Leijdekkers when she was allegedly intercepted by the Sierra Leone police, helping to sweep the issue under the carpet.

The arrest of a local journalist and publisher of Public Review Newspaper, Joseph Koroma who was the fixer (the helper) to the Dutch journalist meant that government had a skeleton in the cupboard about the drug menace.

Despite the emergence of facts about

The drug trade in Sierra Leone, government, according to media reports, is still hesitant and adamant to transfer Leijdekkers to Netherlands to face the law owing to financial support to the economy.

Analysts say, the narco trade is a multi-million Dollar investment, making it difficult to stop.

Although government continues to deny involvement into the co***ne trade, recent waves of reported arrests of some senior government officials for co***ne-related crimes and strong allegations against those who are close to power have lent credence to the allegations.

Sierra Leone's former Ambassador to neighbouring Guinea, Alimamy Bangura was arrested and held in house arrest before given a non-persona grata that saw him back to Sierra Leone.

Bangura has been replaced by a top SLPP politician, the party's former leader of the Women's wing. The premises of Admire Bio, a close relative of President Bio, was searched by local security forces, but alleged dabbling in schemes of protectionism and selective justice, the police said nothing of police interest was discovered on Admire Bio's home, a move for which the police have come under intense public scrutiny and criticism.

The police have been constantly bashed at for arresting and prosecuting poor and low-minded drug users and peddlers while the big wigs have their way out.

Debates abound on the mode of entry of drugs in Sierra Leone, but a popular account was provided by ex-Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Lahai Lawrence Leema who indicated in a report that Sierra Leone had over a 100 illegal crossing points which drug peddlers had successfully used those points to their advantage.

Apart from the damage the drug trade has caused to the outside world, drugs have also devastated the local economy.

Co***ne and Kush have taken a huge death toll among Sierra Leonean youths. Although no exact statistics on Kush-related deaths is available, the death rate number in their hundreds.

Hardly a week passes by without a drug-related co**se found on major streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone's capital, a situation that has caused a row between central government and Freetown City Council (FCC).

Freetown's Mayor, Yvonne Aki Sawyer said, during a media interview, that FCC personnel were overstretched in terms of personnel and resources to bury the drug co**ses.

As the drug menace continues to threaten the country, socio-political analysts too have posed questions about what triggers the spread and wide use of drugs in Sierra Leone.

Answers coming from the public show that the aid cut by the international community led to a short cut by the government through the drug trade.

A study recently presented to the EU parliament confirms that drug money weakens international order and security.

Instead of developing nations looking up to the developed nations for development or ask development partners for clean money, they look up to drug lords for funds. Sanctions may not work since funds from drugs fill state coffers to the brim.

SLPP government's style of downplaying EU sanctions is a manifestation of the ineffectiveness of sanctions, but continued quietness may indicate complicity on the part of the international community.

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