The prosecution has formally closed its case against entertainer and political activist Zainab Sheriff, who appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, facing two counts of incitement and threatening language.

Following the closure of the state’s case, lead defence lawyer Rowland Wright applied for an adjournment to enable the defence team to “determine our position,” a request to which the prosecution did not object . The matter was subsequently adjourned to March 25, 2026.

Prior to the adjournment application, arguments and counter-arguments took place between lead state prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay and Mr Wright regarding how the defence intended to conduct its case. After brief discussions with the magistrate, both sides agreed on the procedural approach.

Magistrate Jah rejected the defence’s renewed bail application, marking the fifth consecutive denial since Ms Sheriff’s arrest. The magistrate ordered that she remain remanded at the Female Correctional Facility at Pademba Road Prison pending the outcome of the matter.

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The courtroom was packed with sympathisers of the defendant, while others gathered outside. A considerable deployment of security forces was observed in the Pademba Magistrate Court area.

Ms Sheriff, a flagbearer aspirant of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and chairperson of the “Wi Duti Lappa” movement—a civic organisation promoting women’s empowerment and increased female political representation—was declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police on February 13, 2026.

The charges stem from statements she allegedly made on January 31, 2026, during an opposition APC meeting at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown . According to prosecutors, she stated that anyone who rigs an election has stolen the people’s vote and should be killed because such an act constitutes treason. She also allegedly referred to the president as “a rigger”—remarks authorities considered to constitute incitement and threatening language under Section 30(1) of the Public Order Act of 1965 .

Ms Sheriff was arrested on February 20, 2026, outside the Royal Fitness Gym and Lor Restaurant in Freetown by officers from the Criminal Investigations Department . She pleaded not guilty during her first court appearance on February 23, 2026.

The prosecution presented evidence during the trial, including video footage of the speech, official transcription, and forensic examination of seized digital devices . A cyber analyst testified that examinations of a pen drive and an iPhone 15 Pro Max linked to Ms Sheriff contained videos of the alleged statements .

Notably, while APC Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya—arrested on similar charges arising from the same political gathering—was granted bail five days after his first court appearance, Ms Sheriff has been denied bail on all five occasions despite facing comparable allegations.

The case has drawn attention from civil society and women’s rights groups. The 50/50 Group, an organisation advocating for women’s political participation, has called on the judiciary to grant bail, arguing that the law generally presumes bail for offences not involving serious crimes such as murder or treason . The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice has also demanded her release, stressing that justice should be administered fairly and without unnecessary delay.

The matter resumes on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, when the defence is expected to begin presenting its case.