By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Secretary General of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Lansana Dumbuya, on Thursday 12th February 2026 made his first appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown over alleged inciting statements made during a press conference.
The alleged statements were said to have been made at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium and directed at President Julius Maada Bio and ASP Francis Momodu Tommy.
Dumbuya was arraigned on three counts including incitement, contrary to law; insulting language, contrary to Section 2 of the Public Order Act 1965; and behaving in an insulting manner, contrary to Section 12(a) of the Public Order Act 1965, as amended by the Public Order (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 1973.
According to the charge sheet, on Saturday 31st January 2026 at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium in the Western Area of Freetown, the accused allegedly made unlawful statements encouraging his supporters to refer to the President as a “thief,” in Krio language, during a public address.
Count two alleges that he used insulting language directed at ASP Francis Momodu Tommy, Regional Operations Officer, Freetown East.
Count three further states that in a public place, he behaved in an insulting manner by encouraging supporters to chant derogatory remarks against President Bio.
When the charges were read and explained to him, Dumbuya pleaded not guilty.
The lead State Prosecutor, Yusuf Isaac Sesay Esq., sought an adjournment, stating that he had just received instructions to prosecute the matter. He informed the court that the prosecution team needed time to prepare its case and call witnesses, especially since the accused had pleaded not guilty.
He further stated that the prosecution had already served the defence with copies of the indictment and the accused’s statements.
Dumbuya was represented by a large team of defence lawyers led by Sulaiman Kabba Koroma.
Defence Counsel Koroma submitted that since the prosecution was not ready to proceed, the court should grant bail. He argued that bail is a right under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 8 of 2024.
Responding to the prosecution’s affidavit opposing bail, Counsel Koroma argued that the claim that Dumbuya would abscond was unfounded and impossible, as the accused had no intention of leaving the jurisdiction.
He also challenged the prosecution’s assertion that the accused might interfere with witnesses, stating that Dumbuya had never met President Bio and therefore could not interfere with him.
Counsel further submitted that the prosecution’s claim that granting bail would cause public disorder amounted to prematurely presuming the accused guilty, which is solely the court’s prerogative.
He highlighted that Dumbuya is a lawyer of 26 years’ standing with no record of professional misconduct, the principal of “Lansana Dumbuya and Associates,” and a human rights lawyer who previously worked at the Special Court of Sierra Leone. He added that Dumbuya, as Secretary General of the opposition party, had political responsibilities, including overseeing lower-level party elections.
Counsel also relied on Section 25 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, which guarantees freedom of speech, arguing that the accused had no intention of disrespecting the President.
During submissions, the State Prosecutor objected to portions of the defence argument, stating that counsel should confine himself strictly to the bail application. The objection was sustained.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Jah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the matter. The case was adjourned until 16th February 2026 for continuation.
As he was being led from the dock, Dumbuya described the proceedings as a “witch hunt,” while supporters in the courtroom sang party songs as he was escorted away.