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The Legal Aid Board (LAB) has secured the release of Alimamy Fofonah, who was standing trial on a murder charge before Honourable Justice Leonard Taylor at the High Court in Freetown.
Fofonah, a former Closed Protection Officer of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) attached to the Lebanese President in Sierra Leone, was discharged on Thursday, 4 December 2025, after the court ruled in favour of a want of prosecution. His release comes two years and four months after he first appeared before the Magistrates’ Court in Freetown.
He had been facing a one-count indictment of murder for allegedly shooting one of his errand boys in the Jui area on the outskirts of Freetown. Speaking after the judgment, Fofonah maintained that the shooting was accidental, claiming it occurred during an attempted robbery involving a group of assailants. He alleged that his weapon discharged during a physical struggle.
Fofonah also disclosed that he had not received a salary from the SLP since January 2024. He expressed gratitude to the Legal Aid Board for its support and said he was eager to reunite with his family in Masiaka. He further noted his willingness to return to the police force, stating that he has not received any official dismissal notice from the SLP.
LAB Executive Director, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a relief for the accused. She urged Fofonah to prioritise his health and assured him that the Board would engage the relevant authorities regarding his status with the police. Ms. Carlton-Hanciles also reminded the public to remain law-abiding as the festive season approaches, reaffirming LAB’s commitment to its mandate.
In a related development, LAB’s resident lawyers in Kenema, Kono, and Port Loko districts secured the discharge of 19 accused persons during recent Special Criminal High Court Sessions held across Kailahun, Kenema, Kono, and Kambia. Of the 19 released, 11 were discharged in Kono, three in Kambia, four in Kenema, and one in Kailahun.
