Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne A. Sawyerr, has raised serious concerns regarding the ongoing detention of Zainab O. Sheriff, emphasizing the importance of upholding freedom of speech and ensuring that the law is applied fairly and consistently to all citizens.

In a statement, Mayor Sawyerr said: “Freedom of speech must be applicable to everyone, and the law must be consistently applied. The continued detention of Zainab Sheriff is a serious cause for concern in a democracy. Citizens should be able to express themselves without fear of arbitrary or prolonged detention, while respecting the law.”

Sheriff, a member of the All People’s Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the “Wi Duti” Organization, had been on the Sierra Leone Police’s wanted list following allegations of incitement, threatening language, and other related offences. Authorities confirmed that she was apprehended after several days of intensive pursuit at a secret hideout, and she remains in police custody as investigations continue. The police had previously issued a public notice with her warrant of arrest referenced as W/A 105/2026.

After her arrest, Sheriff was formally charged and presented before the Magistrate Court on Pademba Road in Freetown. She spent three days in custody before appearing before Magistrate Brima Jah at Court No. 1 on Monday, February 23, 2026. During the hearing, her bail application was denied, and the magistrate ordered that she be remanded at the Female Correctional Facility in Freetown pending further proceedings.

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