The Sierra Leone Police have released prominent businessman Ahmed Basha on bail after reports indicated that investigations revealed the teenage girls allegedly held at his residence had stayed there willingly and had even invited friends to join them.

Basha, the owner of Basha Bakery on Wilkinson Road, was initially arrested alongside seven others following serious allegations of sexually exploiting underage girls. The arrests were confirmed by the Deputy Head of Media at the Sierra Leone Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohamed Bobson Senu.

The case came to light after reports surfaced that three 15-year-old girls had been confined at Basha’s private residence in Aberdeen for a week. The girls allegedly endured sexual exploitation and were administered hard drugs during their stay. It was further claimed that Basha would lock them inside his home whenever he left for work.

The allegations sparked widespread public outrage, with many demanding a thorough and transparent investigation. Prominent lawyer Basita Michael had called on the police to handle the matter with the “utmost seriousness, transparency, and timeliness.”

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However, reports now indicates that evidence gathered during the investigation indicates that the girls were at Basha’s residence of their own volition and even invited other friends to join them. While the exact nature of their stay remains under scrutiny, this development has led to Basha’s release on bail.

Authorities have not yet dropped the case entirely, and further investigations may still be conducted.

The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about child exploitation and the need for rigorous law enforcement to protect vulnerable minors. Activists and legal experts continue to monitor the situation closely, calling for accountability regardless of the suspects’ social or economic status.