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Admire Bio-Jalloh, the niece of President Julius Maada Bio, remains in police custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) without formal charges as investigations into a high-profile gold scam and armed robbery continue.
In a recent interview with Liberty Online TV, journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray confirmed that Admire is still in detention. Mansaray criticized the Sierra Leone Police for “stonewalling” and failing to provide thorough public updates on the case.
He noted that under the new Criminal Procedure Act of 2025, suspects are generally supposed to be held for a maximum of 10 days. Mansaray raised questions over whether the police have officially sought an extension from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to legally prolong her detention for the serious felony offense.
Admire Bio-Jalloh, widely known by the moniker “Mama of Freetown,” was initially taken into custody in early June after responding to a police invitation. She is accused of selling fake gold to two Italian businessmen in a transaction valued between $220,000 and $300,000.
The situation escalated when the Italian nationals were reportedly attacked and robbed along the Mile 13 axis by individuals allegedly linked to Bio following the transaction. Veteran journalist Idrissa Salam Conteh previously released photographs of the two Italian business partners, stating they have submitted documented bank transfer receipts as evidence of their payments.
While Bio remains in detention, the Sierra Leone Police have launched a manhunt for her husband, 42-year-old Dauda Jalloh, also known as Alhaji Dausy. He is wanted for multiple offences, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, conspiracy to rob, money laundering, and selling minerals without legal permission. A warrant for his arrest has been issued.
Recent unofficial reports indicate that the fraud and armed robbery case might be considered for an out-of-court settlement. Sources familiar with the investigation claim that Bio’s family members have agreed to refund the full amount defrauded from the Italian investors, with the expectation that Bio will be granted bail once the repayment process is complete.
