A former Fourah Bay College (FBC) economics student, identified only as Samuel, is reportedly living on the streets of Freetown after an alleged family property dispute derailed his education and left him without support.

In a video circulating on social media, Samuel claims a disagreement over family assets, specifically a house and land, led to his current condition. He says the conflict cut short his academic journey at the University of Sierra Leone’s Fourah Bay College and left him abandoned.

Samuel told viewers he had been living at the Kissy Mental Home, but found conditions there extremely difficult. He now sleeps on the streets and begs for food. He alleges that family members want to harm him, but said he believes God would not allow them to succeed.

“I am a brilliant young man,” he said in the video, describing how his future was ruined by his family’s actions.

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The claims have not been independently verified, and family members have not publicly responded. Samuel has not provided documents or legal details regarding the property dispute.

Sierra Leone faces severe challenges in mental health care. The country has only three psychiatrists for a population of over eight million, and the estimated treatment gap for severe mental illness exceeds 95%. For children, the treatment gap is estimated at 99.8%, with only one child and adolescent mental health professional in the entire country.

Stigma remains a significant barrier to care. In some communities, mental health conditions are associated with witchcraft, and families often turn to traditional healers rather than seeking medical help. Attempted suicide remains criminalised under Sierra Leonean law, making it even harder for those suffering to speak openly.

The government is working to address these gaps. A Mental Health Bill designed to replace the colonial-era Lunacy Act of 1902 is awaiting passage. In late 2025, the Ministry of Social Welfare convened a review of the national Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Strategy. Efforts are also underway to integrate mental health care into primary health services and expand community-based support.

The video of Samuel’s plight has sparked widespread reaction on social media, with many expressing sadness over how property conflicts can destroy lives and education.