“Let Lansana Dumbuya Face His Day in Court” — Alie Kabba

A senior member of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and longtime presidential aspirant, Alie Kabba, has weighed in on the ongoing legal case involving Secretary General of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Lansana Dumbuya.

In an opinion piece shared on Facebook, Kabba called on the State to grant Dumbuya bail as his matter proceeds before the courts, despite what he described as serious allegations levelled against him.

“Let Lansana Dumbuya be granted bail while his matter proceeds before the courts,” Kabba wrote, stressing that bail should not be seen as an endorsement of the accused but rather as a constitutional safeguard.

Drawing from personal experience, Kabba referenced his own arrest in 2015 under the then-APC administration, when he was detained at Pademba Road Prison. He argued that unlike his situation at the time, Dumbuya should be afforded the opportunity to defend himself while on bail.

“Let him face his day in court, as every citizen of our Republic is entitled to do,” Kabba stated, adding that Dumbuya’s position as Secretary General of the APC makes him unlikely to abscond.

The case has, however, drawn sharp criticism from the opposition and sections of civil society. The APC has accused the government of using state institutions to silence dissenting voices and intimidate opposition figures. Party officials have described Dumbuya’s arrest and continued detention as politically motivated, arguing that it undermines democratic space and multiparty governance.

Some civil society activists have also raised concerns about selective justice and the broader implications for freedom of expression and political participation. They have called for transparency in the legal process and urged authorities to uphold constitutional safeguards, including the right to bail where applicable.

The government, for its part, maintains that the matter is strictly before the courts and should not be politicised. Officials insist that the judiciary is independent and that due process is being followed.

Lansana Dumbuya was arrested in connection with allegations reportedly linked to offences against the State, including claims of incitement and conduct deemed prejudicial to public order. Prosecutors have argued that the seriousness of the charges, coupled with concerns about potential interference with investigations, justified the court’s decision to refuse bail pending further proceedings.