APC National Secretary General Remanded on Incitement Charges
By James Kamara-Manneh
The National Secretary General of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Lansana Dumbuya Esq., has been remanded in custody following his appearance before Magistrate Brima Jah at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court in Freetown.
Mr. Dumbuya was arraigned on three counts, including incitement, insulting conduct, and public insult against the President, contrary to provisions under Sierra Leone’s public order and criminal laws. He pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court.
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from statements allegedly made by Mr. Dumbuya during a recent APC gathering at the Atouga Mini Stadium. Prosecutors allege that he accused President Julius Maada Bio of manipulating the outcome of the 2023 general elections, referencing both local and international observer reports. The State argued that the remarks amounted to incitement and were capable of disturbing public peace.
Lead defense counsel, Suliaman Borbor Kabba Esq., representing the APC legal team, applied for bail on behalf of the accused. Counsel submitted that Mr. Dumbuya is a reputable legal practitioner and senior political figure who voluntarily honored police invitations and would not interfere with the course of justice if granted bail.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, urging the court to deny bail on grounds not fully disclosed in open court.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Jah refused the bail application and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown pending further proceedings.
The matter has been adjourned to 16th February 2026 for further hearing, with the defense expected to renew its bail application on the next date.
The case has attracted significant public interest amid ongoing political tensions. Observers have called for restraint, adherence to the rule of law, and peaceful political engagement as the judicial process unfolds.
