By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in Bo confirmed on September 8, 2025, the arrest of six individuals suspected of being behind a series of violent crimes in the Southern and Eastern regions. These crimes include the murder of Reverend Father Augustine Dauda Amadu in Kenema and armed attacks on prominent residents in Bo.
The announcement was made by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Brima Kanneh, the outgoing Regional Police Commander for the South, who described the arrests as the result of “robust operations and fast-paced investigations.”
According to AIGP Kanneh, the suspects confessed during questioning to a string of crimes that began on August 28, 2025, when they allegedly burgled the residence of Ezekiel Coker in Bo, making off with valuable items. That same night, they are said to have launched a violent attack on the home of NaSSIT Regional Manager, Mr. John Lamina, leaving him critically injured and hospitalized.
The suspects are further accused of traveling to Kenema on August 29, where they allegedly murdered Rev. Fr. Amadu, a highly respected Catholic priest. This tragic killing shocked the nation and intensified public demands for justice.
The arrested suspects are Gbassay Swarray, alias Success, previously linked to a murder case in Moyamba, Joseph Kamagy Kamara, alias Shine, Martin Sallu, an ex-convict, Joseph Bangalie, alias Boika, an ex-convict with a history of felonious offenses, Foday Sallu and Foday Hassan Sesay, found in possession of one of Mr. Lamina’s stolen items.
AIGP Kanneh also revealed that some of the suspects are repeat offenders who may have escaped from court custody or correctional facilities. He reiterated the police’s commitment to bringing criminals to justice.
“The Sierra Leone Police will not relent in arresting, investigating, and charging suspects to court,” AIGP Kanneh vowed.
In a related development, AIGP Kanneh oversaw the public destruction of a large quantity of illicit drugs on September 8, including Kush, Tramadol, and dried leaves suspected to be cannabis. This marked the second public destruction of seized drugs during his tenure.
He explained that the burning exercise was intended to ensure transparency and to dispel rumors about the possible diversion of seized substances.
“Since I am being transferred, I did not want to leave these substances behind. Burning them publicly is a way to show accountability and discourage rumors,” he stated.
Kanneh also emphasized that drug abuse, particularly the widespread use of Kush and Tramadol, remains a major driver of crime and violence in the Southern Region. He called for stronger collaboration between communities and law enforcement to tackle the issue.
As he prepares to hand over leadership, AIGP Kanneh’s final actions underline a legacy of firm policing, accountability, and community-centered security in Sierra Leone’s southern region.