Executive Newspaper

03/09/2026

Twin Brothers Remanded Over Alleged Murder
Forty-six-year-old twin brothers, Alhassan Fofanah and Alusine Fofanah, have made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 in Freetown.
The two defendants are facing five counts of conspiracy to murder, murder, wounding with intent, wounding, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
According to the charge sheet, the offence of conspiracy to murder and murder is contrary to the relevant provisions of the law, with the murder charge brought under Section 1 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, as repealed and replaced by Section 1(a) of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act of 2021, Act No. 6 of 2022.
The defendants are also charged with wounding with intent, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861; wounding, contrary to Section 20 of the same Act; and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.
According to the particulars of offence on counts one and two, Alhassan Fofanah and Alusine Fofanah, on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at No. 69A, Back of PWD Quarters, Sumaila Town, Freetown, in the Western Area of Sierra Leone, allegedly conspired together with other persons’ unknown and murdered Mumunie Bah.
It was further alleged that both defendants, on the same date and at the same location, wounded Alie Bangura with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
Counts four and five further alleged that the defendants, on the same date and at the same location, maliciously wounded and assaulted Alie Bangura, thereby causing him actual bodily harm.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, no plea was taken.
The prosecution’s first witness, Detective Police Constable Ibrahim Kamara, attached to the Criminal Investigation Department at the Central Police Station in Freetown, testified before the court. Ibrahim Kamara told the court that on July 4, 2026, while on duty at the CID Central Police Station, Detective Sergeant Musa J. assigned him an enquiry file that had been transferred from the New England Police Station for further investigation.
He said that before the matter was transferred, the complainant, Alie Bangura, had been issued with a police medical request form at the New England Police Station.
The witness further testified that on the same day, he, Detective Inspector Sheku Lukulay and Detective Sergeant Lapia J. visited the crime scene at Sumaila Town, where photographs of the scene were taken.
According to PW1, on July 5, 2026, the complainant, Alie Bangura, visited the CID Central Police Station, where statements were obtained from him and his witnesses, including Michael Milton John, Abu Turay and Muvlai Bangura.
The statements of the complainant and the witnesses were subsequently produced and tendered before the court as exhibits.
He also told the court that during the course of the investigation, police received information that a man identified as Mumunie Bah had died at the scene and that his body had been taken to the Connaught Hospital Mortuary in Freetown.
He said that later on the same day, police at the New England Police Station informed them that both defendants had reported themselves at the station.
The witness further testified that Muvlai Bangura had also presented three knives to the police as exhibits. He added that together with Detective Inspector Sheku Lukulay subsequently went to the New England Police Station and took both defendants to the CID Central Police Station for further investigation.
The three knives were later handed over to the appropriate police exhibit officer.
The witness testified that voluntary caution statements were obtained from both defendants separately.
According to him, the defendants were cautioned and questioned in Krio, and they responded in Krio. Their responses were recorded in English, after which the statements were read over and explained to them in Krio.
He said both defendants admitted that their statements were true and correct and affixed their right thumbprints in the presence of Detective Sergeant Musa J., while he signed as the recorder.
The voluntary caution statements were subsequently produced and tendered as exhibits. He further told the court that on July 6, 2026, the complainant, Alie Bangura, returned to the station with an endorsed police medical report, which was also tendered before the court as an exhibit.
On July 7, 2026, police forwarded a request for a post-mortem examination to the Chief Medical Examiner.
The witness said that on July 15, 2026, he, together with Detective Sergeant Lapia J., the Chief Medical Examiner, Dr Owiss Simeon Koroma, and his team, conducted a post-mortem examination on the body of Mumunie Bah.
During the examination, photographs of the body were taken, while the post-mortem report and the cause of death certificate were subsequently issued to the police and tendered before the court.
PW1 also testified that on July 28, 2026, a request for a forensic examination of the three knives was sent to the forensic officer at TOCU in Hastings.
On the same date, police requested an extension of the detention of both defendants and also forwarded a copy of the investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
The witness said that on August 10, 2026, the police received legal advice from the Office of the DPP.
Following the legal advice, PW1 Ibrahim Kamara, together with Detective Sergeant Musa J. and DPC Mor AB, charged both defendants separately on August 11, 2026, with conspiracy to murder, murder, wounding with intent, wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He told the court that the defendants were cautioned and questioned in Krio and their responses were recorded in English.
The statements were subsequently read and explained to them in Krio, after which they admitted them to be true and correct and affixed their right thumbprints.
The charged statements were also tendered before the court as exhibits.
During cross-examination, PW1 Ibrahim Kamara admitted that one of the defendants sustained an injury following the fight.
However, he told the court that although he took photographs of the defendant’s injury, he did not see a cutlass at the scene.
The witness also denied allegations that he advised either of the defendants to admit to the allegations in order to prevent both of them from suffering. He further stated that both defendants were informed about the post-mortem examination and denied that either of them made a separate complaint to the police against any individual in relation to the incident.
Following the proceedings, Magistrate John Manso Fornah ordered that the two 46-year-old twin brothers be remanded in custody.
The matter was adjourned to September 9th 2026, for the continuation of the hearing, while a subpoena is expected to be served on prosecution witness Muvlai Bangura.

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03/09/2026

Legal Aid Board Trains Church Leaders on SGBV

The Legal Aid Board (LAB) in collaboration with the Anglican Diocese of Freetown has conducted a two-day capacity building training on basic laws bordering on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) for church leaders and other key stakeholders of the Anglican Diocese of Freetown.


The training took place at the Munah Jeploe hall at Richard Street in Freetown and it attracted a total of eighty-five (85) participants drawn from the Anglican Diocese’s churches within Western Area Rural and Urban districts.
The aim was to capacitate the participants on their roles and responsibilities as religious leaders as well as church stakeholders on how to prevent and respond to issues relating to SGBV within the church circle. The training also aimed at admonishing the clergy against mediating; probing or attempting to cover-up issues relating to SGBV.
In both his opening and closing remarks after the two days’ session, the Archbishop of the Anglican Diocese of Freetown, Rt. Rev. Thomas A.I Wilson, expressed gratitude to the Board and its Executive Director for the partnership between the Board and the Diocese, noting that the latter is grateful and is always ready to take part in any similar legal empowerment should the opportunity arise.
He said the training is in line with the church’s move as an agent of change to introduce a ‘Safe Guard Policy’ just as the Anglican Church global has done.
He used the opportunity to inform the participants that the Diocese now has a Gender Desk and that the Gender Officer is always ready to respond to any of their calls. He called on the participants to cascade the message to their congregation.
In a brief statement on the objectives, expectations and ground rules of the training, the Board’s Monitoring and Evaluation Manager who also doubles as its Acting Head of Programmes, Sallu Jusu, said the training was not the first the Board had organized with the Diocese, noting that similar training had also been held sometimes last year.
He assured the participants of the Board’s readiness in contributing to building the capacity of its partners; stating that as a legal institution the Board puts premium not only in providing legal representation to accused persons but also to legal education and empowerment to partners and the public as well.
The Lead Facilitator of the Legal Aid Board Team at the training, Counsel Ibrahim Bangura, in a PowerPoint presentation, explained the concept of SGBV; it causes; consequences; power; vulnerability and harmful social norms that contribute to SGBV; legal and human rights framework for SGBV in Sierra Leone, etc.
He also explained the role of the church in preventing and responding to SGBV, noting that the church should not act as a police station to investigate or attempt to cover up issues having to do with SGBV. He also talked on issues of exploitation, harassment, and other forms of SGBV within the church and how to mitigate them.
Other facilitators also included Counsel Lizandra W. Kargbo and Counsel Mustapha Karim Dauda, who spoke on how church leaders should respond to disclosures of SGBV; what church leaders should do and should not do; referral pathways and access to justice; church safeguarding, etc.
In a plenary session after group work presentations, the participants among other issues recommended for the church leaders to put the law above biblical verses when it comes to issues of SGBV and also for church leaders to include SGBV issues in their sermons/preaching.
They also called on the Diocese and the Legal Aid Board to conduct similar training and in so doing setup a team of Training of Trainers (TOT) for other church members. The sessions were interspersed with questions, answers and comments.

03/09/2026

ACC Engages Budget Advocacy Network

By: Alex A. Bah – Public Relations Officer, ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has engaged the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) over concerns surrounding the management of revenue generated from the five percent (5%) rice import duty and its intended contribution to the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF).


The engagement, held on Monday, 31st August 2026, at the Office of the Commissioner, Integrity House, Tower Hill, Freetown, followed BAN’s publication of a policy report examining the revenue generated from the duty and its intended use, particularly in support of agricultural development and women farmers.
Commissioner of the ACC, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., said the Commission was concerned upon receiving the report, noting that the arrangement appeared “not well organised.” He said the ACC would work with BAN to establish what had happened and make appropriate recommendations based on its review.
Drawing on the Commission’s experience with asset recoveries, Commissioner Kaifala explained that when the ACC began making significant recoveries and remitting recovered funds to the Ministry of Finance, he advocated for the establishment of a separate special Recovery Account to facilitate greater audit and accountability.
He said a similar mechanism could be considered for resources earmarked for specific purposes, noting that dedicated arrangements can make such funds easier to track, audit and account for.
Commissioner Kaifala proposed a two-way approach in which BAN, as a civil society organisation, would submit recommendations on possible mechanisms, including the consideration of a separate account, while the ACC would conduct its own checks, prepare a report and share its findings and recommendations with the Minister of Finance.
Speaking during the engagement, BAN Coordinator Abu Bakarr Kamara Kamara commenced by commending Commissioner Kaifala and the ACC for their openness to civil society engagement and commitment to strengthening accountability in the management of public resources. He added that his organisation’s work under the project seeks to examine how women can benefit from taxation, particularly through investment in agriculture.
Kamara explained that when Government reintroduced the five percent import duty in 2024, the Budget Statement indicated that the proceeds would be reinvested into the Agricultural Development Fund. He said BAN subsequently identified an opportunity to advocate for women to benefit from resources channelled through the Fund under the Feed Salone programme. He said the broader objective of the advocacy is to ensure that at least 30 percent of the relevant resources benefit women farmers.
Mr. Kamara said that in 2025, BAN wrote to relevant institutions to establish the amount generated from the five percent import duty. He said the responses received, including information from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the Ministry of Finance, informed the organisation’s policy report.
The engagement ended with a commitment to continued collaboration between the ACC and BAN as the Commission examines the issues raised, establishes the facts and considers measures to strengthen transparency, accountability and traceability in the management of earmarked public resources.

03/09/2026

Mercury International Turns Businessman into a Millionaire

By: Fatmata S Kargbo and Humu Koroma (Intern)

Driving all the way from the Northern Region of Makeni to the Western Area in Freetown, a 31-year-old businessman, Kamara, from Makeni, is the latest millionaire courtesy of Mercury International online football betting.

Known as A.B.K., the young businessman walked away with a total of Le1.2 million (approximately US$50,000), becoming the Company’s biggest single payout winner.
From the Company’s Walpole Street office, where verification was completed, A.B.K. collected his winning cheque from the Managing Director, Mr Martin Edmond Michael and was quick to say: “This is the biggest win I have ever had.”
“I don’t normally play with many teams. When the games are going on, I follow them and see the teams winning gradually.”
He revealed that instead of placing one massive lump-sum bet, he decided to bank on gradual payouts by selecting just two or three teams, with accumulated odds of three or four points, while he consistently reinvested his winnings as the season progressed.
He said: “I started playing this particular winning set from the commencement of the English Premier League, March week 1 until the final matches wrapped up in week 2, before the funds were safely transferred to my account.
“Early this morning when I woke up, I saw that the money had been fully paid into my account without any shortage,” he added.
Handing over the Cheque, Managing Director Martin Michael congratulated the winner and gave his usual advice to ensure the prize is utilised well with proper investment.
“We are very happy when our customers win, and always like to see big winnings,” Michael said. Addressing A.B.K. directly, he added, “You are a mature, educated, and responsible man, so I am sure you will invest this money responsibly.”
With his sights set on business growth, A.B.K. hopes to turn his milestone victory into long-term success.
Beyond the excitement of the payout, A.B.K. noted that the timing couldn’t have been better. He plans to channel the funds directly into expanding his business. Reflecting on the platform’s reliability, he encouraged other players: “Mercury Bet are more transparent and easy to use. They are the most trusted.”
Deputy Online Manager Octavus Jackson pointed out that the victory highlights the strength and security of the company’s online system. Because of the sizable sum, the payout was processed and presented via cheque.
The Public Relations Manager, Alhaji Komba, sees this win as a nationwide benefit. He said: “Our two previous winners in August came from Kenema, and today this is from Makeni”
“Over the years and presently, we are seeing winners emerging from across the country; this shows we can reduce poverty in Sierra Leone,” he said.

03/09/2026

ADP Chairman Boosts Communities with Infrastructural Projects

By Foday Kamara

The Chairman and Leader of the Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), Ibrahim Suma, popularly known as Brima Togo, is continuing to support community infrastructure projects in different parts of Sierra Leone.

The initiatives cover rural villages, urban townships and densely populated coastal communities, with a focus on addressing basic needs including water, sanitation and community facilities.

One of the ongoing projects is the construction of a community centre in Masimerah Village, Bombali District.
When completed, the facility is expected to serve as a multipurpose centre for community meetings, youth activities, adult education, cultural events and local administrative functions.
Residents of Masimerah and surrounding communities have reportedly lacked a dedicated public space and have often depended on open compounds or distant facilities.
The project, initiated under the leadership of the ADP Chairman, is also providing local employment during the construction phase and is expected to contribute to stronger social cohesion within the community.
In Kenema Township, specifically in the Cow Yard area, a new water well has been provided. The intervention is intended to improve access to clean and reliable water and reduce the burden on women and children who previously travelled long distances or depended on inconsistent water sources.
According to the report, community members say the facility is already helping to reduce waiting times while supporting household hygiene, small-scale gardening and petty trading activities.
A similar intervention has been carried out in Lunsar, where another water well has been installed. The facility is expected to serve households, traders and nearby institutions in the commercial and mining-adjacent town.
The project is also expected to contribute to improved public health and reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses, particularly during the dry season.
In Susan’s Bay, Freetown, the ADP Chairman has supported the construction of a community toilet facility.
The densely populated waterfront community has historically faced sanitation challenges. The new facility is intended to address open defecation, improve sanitation and enhance dignity, particularly for women and girls.
Residents and local leaders have welcomed the facility as a practical intervention towards improving living conditions in the community.
The projects form part of what the report describes as a broader pattern of community engagement associated with Ibrahim Suma and his philanthropic activities.
Supporters have also pointed to earlier interventions, including school construction, distribution of learning materials and the provision of additional water points in other districts.
Community stakeholders, including local elders and youth representatives, have expressed appreciation for the interventions, saying they respond to longstanding community needs.
The ADP Chairman has reportedly stressed that development must be felt at the community level, particularly through access to clean water, proper sanitation and shared public spaces.
As construction continues on the Masimerah community centre and the newly installed water wells and toilet facility become fully operational, the projects are expected to further support the communities involved.
The interventions in Bombali, Kenema, Lunsar and Susan’s Bay highlight the ADP Chairman’s stated emphasis on infrastructure-driven community support and addressing basic needs at grassroots level.

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03/09/2026

HADP Supports Disability Community

By Audrey Raymonda John

The Humble Africans Development Party (HADP) has reaffirmed its commitment to social inclusion and community support through a donation of Le28,000 and two bags of rice to persons with disabilities in the Western Area.


The donation was presented by the Western Area Chairman, Ibrahim Cotor Bah, on behalf of the National Chairman and Leader of HADP, Abubakarr Alharazim, during an engagement with members of the disability community.

Speaking at the gathering, Chairman Bah said the donation reflected the party's firm belief that persons with disabilities are an important part of society and must never be left behind in the nation's development. He noted that the leadership of HADP remains committed to promoting dignity, inclusion, equal opportunity and respect for all citizens, regardless of their physical condition.

Chairman Bah explained that the gesture was inspired by the compassion and vision of National Chairman and Leader Abubakarr Alharazim, who has consistently advocated for the protection and empowerment of vulnerable groups across Sierra Leone.

He emphasised that Mr Alharazim holds deep respect and admiration for persons with disabilities, recognising their resilience, determination and valuable contributions to society. According to Chairman Bah, the HADP leader believes that disability does not diminish a person's worth, potential or ability to contribute to national development. Rather, he sees persons with disabilities as capable citizens who deserve equal access to opportunities, education, employment and leadership.

Chairman Bah further stated that Mr Alharazim's vision for Sierra Leone is one in which every citizen is valued and empowered to reach their full potential. He stressed that HADP's commitment to persons with disabilities goes beyond donations and charitable gestures; it is rooted in a broader commitment to social justice, equality and human dignity.

"The Humble Africans Development Party is not only concerned with politics," Chairman Bah said. "We are concerned about people. We are concerned about the daily realities facing our citizens, especially those who need support, recognition and equal opportunities. We believe that a nation can only progress when no one is left behind."

He encouraged members of the disability community to remain hopeful and continue engaging with HADP, assuring them that the party's leadership is prepared to listen to their concerns and work towards practical solutions that improve their lives and strengthen their participation in society.

Receiving the donation, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Waterloo Community Football and Disability Leadership expressed profound appreciation to National Chairman and Leader Abubakarr Alharazim and Western Area Chairman Ibrahim Cotor Bah for responding to their concerns.

The PRO described the donation as a clear demonstration of genuine care and solidarity with persons with disabilities. He reiterated that disability should never be mistaken for inability.

"There is no inability in disability," he stated, emphasising that persons with disabilities possess talents, skills and abilities that can contribute significantly to national development when they are given the necessary support and opportunities.

He noted that the community had previously raised concerns regarding their welfare and was encouraged by the positive response from the leadership of HADP. He also appealed for continued engagement and support while urging members of the community to embrace the party's message of unity, inclusion and collective responsibility.

Referring to the party's guiding philosophy, he said the principle of "Each One Reach One. Each One Teach One. Each One Lift One." represents a powerful call for citizens to support one another and ensure that vulnerable members of society are not forgotten.

The engagement concluded with renewed assurances of continued collaboration between HADP and the disability community, as both parties expressed their desire to work together towards building a more inclusive, compassionate and equitable Sierra Leone. Each One Reach One. Each One Teach One. Each One Lift One.

03/09/2026

As alleged…
Theft at Ministry of Finance

Twenty-three-year-old Alpha Umaru Newland, an unemployed resident of No. 1 Kroobay, Freetown, is standing trial before the court over allegations of stealing and damaging property belonging to the Ministry of Finance valued at NLe146,000.


Newland, who is currently on remand, faces two counts of larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916, and malicious damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861.

The prosecution alleges that on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Ministry of Finance on George Street, Freetown, Newland stole one set of generator control system copper cables valued at NLe137,000 and two 100-amp batteries valued at NLe9,000.
The total alleged value of the items is NLe146,000.
On the second count, the accused is alleged to have maliciously damaged the generator control system copper cables valued at NLe137,000.
Testifying before the court, prosecution witness Titus Musa identified Newland as the accused person.
Musa told the court that on March 24, 2026, while he was on duty at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, the Senior Generator Technician of the Ministry of Finance reported an alleged case of larceny and malicious damage at the Ministry.
According to the witness, following the report, he obtained statements from the Senior Generator Technician and other officers who were on duty at the time.
Musa further testified that Newland was cautioned and questioned in Krio. He said the accused responded in Krio, while he recorded the responses in English.
The witness told the court that after the interview, he read and explained the recorded statement to Newland in Krio. According to Musa, the accused then admitted that the statement was true and correct by affixing his right thumbprint.
The statement was witnessed by Detective Sergeant 1389 Sahr Rosen Aliu and signed by Musa.
The documents were subsequently tendered and admitted in evidence as Exhibits G1 to G5.
Musa further told the court that on June 4, 2026, he and DPC 13878 Blango .P. charged Newland with the two offences of larceny and malicious damage.
He said the accused was again cautioned and questioned in Krio, with his responses recorded in English.
According to the witness, the statement was read and explained to Newland in Krio before he again admitted it to be true and correct by affixing his right thumbprint.
The statement was witnessed by DPC 13878 Blango P, while Musa signed as the recorder.
The documents were tendered and admitted in evidence as Exhibits H1 to H3.
During cross-examination, defence counsel did not ask the witness any questions.
Newland remains on remand as the prosecution continues to present evidence in the case.
The matter has been adjourned to September 9, 2026.

31/08/2026

Samu Chiefdom on Fire
Questions are being raised over the relationship between the Paramount Chief of Samu Chiefdom, Hon. P.C. Bai Sheborah Yek II, and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs following allegations that the traditional leader disregarded a government directive concerning a traditional ceremony known as the “Kantha.”
According to our sources, the Ministry, which has supervisory responsibility for local governance affairs, reportedly wrote to Paramount Chief Yek II requesting him to suspend activities relating to the ceremony pending further consideration by the authorities.
One of the sources alleged that, despite the ministry’s communication, an activity linked to the ceremony was subsequently organised in Samu Chiefdom, attracting a significant number of participants from across the chiefdom.
They have described the development as a possible challenge to the authority of the Ministry and have called for clarity on the respective powers and responsibilities of the central government and traditional authorities.
The controversy has been further heightened by allegations of violence involving youths in the chiefdom. Reports circulating in the area claim that some young people sustained injuries following an alleged confrontation linked to their outspoken views on issues of traditional leadership and the reported treatment of other chiefs.
However, the allegations have not been independently established, and the matter is reportedly under police investigation. The developments have renewed concerns about reported tensions and unrest in Samu Chiefdom, with calls for the authorities to intervene through lawful and peaceful means before the situation escalates.
Sierra Leone’s laws provide for defined roles for both central government institutions and traditional authorities. Against this background, our sources are urging the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and the relevant security institutions to clarify the issues surrounding the “Kantha” ceremony and ensure that any allegations of violence or abuse of authority are investigated fairly.
They further stressed that no individual, regardless of position or status, should be above the law, while urging all parties to resolve the dispute through dialogue and established legal procedures. All efforts made to get the response of the Paramount Chief of Samu Chiefdom, Hon. P.C. Bai Sheborah Yek II have proven futile but we hope to get his side soon.

He further explained that to be eligible to secure a ticket for the Vegas Raffle draw, an individual needs to play an accumulated ticket cost of NLe250, while for the Sports Raffle ticket, you just need an accumulated cost of NLe50.
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Public Relations Manager, Alhaji Komba, said: “Mercury International is not just about betting; it’s about making Sierra Leoneans happy.”
He said that both raffles will run from 24th August, 2026 to 3rd January, 2027, with the grand prize handing over ceremony scheduled for 2027.