Two police officers face charges over detainee’s death, search for suspects continues

By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh - Kabala, Sierra Leone – May 23, 2025 — As two police officers remain at large following the alleged custodial death of a 40-year-old man in Dalakuru, Diang Chiefdom, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against two other officers linked to the case.

The deceased, identified as Santigie Kamara, reportedly died after allegedly being beaten while in police custody on Friday, April 25, 2025. Kamara was detained at the Dalakuru police post, and preliminary reports indicate that Police Constables Sorie Amara Sesay (PC-22121) and Alhaji Sallieu Janneh were involved in the alleged incident. The two officers fled the scene and have not been seen since.

In response, two other officers—Detective Police Constable (D/PC) Mohamed Janneh and B.S.—were arrested and brought to the North-East Regional Headquarters in Makeni for investigation. On Thursday, May 22, 2025, they were formally handed over by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Victor Manfred Williams and arraigned before the Complaints, Discipline and Internal Investigations Department (CDIID) Tribunal at the Kabala Divisional Headquarters.

Both officers face disciplinary charges under the Police Disciplinary Regulations Act of 2001, including lack of supervision and lack of civility. During the tribunal, which is presided over by North-East Regional CDIID Coordinator Superintendent Gabriel Oguladeh King, both officers reportedly pleaded guilty.

In a show of institutional accountability, AIG Williams also visited the bereaved family in Dalakuru to offer condolences on behalf of the Inspector General of Police and the wider Sierra Leone Police.

Meanwhile, efforts to calm tensions in other parts of Koinadugu District are also underway. On Thursday, May 22, AIG Williams, alongside Chief Superintendent Ibrahim Barrie and other District Security Committee (Di-SEC) members, led a peace mission to Lengekoror Village—an area currently under the Military Aid to Civil Power (MAC-P) directive following violent land disputes.

Addressing community members, traditional leaders, and local stakeholders, AIG Williams urged residents to remain law-abiding and resolve disputes through appropriate legal channels. He emphasized the police’s commitment to peace, justice, and thorough investigation of all grievances.

Reinforced by joint police and military forces from Kabala Division and the 12th Infantry Battalion, the area remains under close surveillance. The Integrated Intelligence Services (IIS) field operatives are on high alert to maintain order and prevent further unrest.

The SLP continues to search for the two officers still on the run, while the disciplinary tribunal proceeds in Kabala.