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The Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) has refuted social media rumours claiming that detained opposition activist and entertainer Zainab Sheriff has died.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Correctional Service described the reports circulating on social media as “Fake News” and confirmed that Sheriff is “reliably alive.”
According to the SLCS, Sheriff had complained of illness and has received the necessary medical attention. The service stated that she is recovering well and that the welfare of all inmates remains its utmost priority.
The Correctional Service urged the public and the media to rely on official updates from the institution regarding inmates in its custody.
Sheriff, a well-known singer, model, and reality-TV personality who also serves as Chairperson of the Wi Duti civic movement, was arrested on 20 February 2026 after being declared wanted by police. Her arrest followed remarks she made on 31 January 2026 at an All People’s Congress (APC) gathering at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown.
Prosecutors alleged that during the rally, Sheriff stated that anyone who rigs an election has stolen the people’s vote and committed treason, and that such persons and their families should be killed. She also reportedly referred to the president as a “rigger”.
Sheriff pleaded not guilty to two counts of incitement and threatening language under the Public Order Act of 1965. Throughout her trial at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1, she was denied bail on eight separate occasions, with the High Court also rejecting a bail application on 2 April 2026.
On 14 April 2026, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah sentenced Sheriff to four years imprisonment for incitement and two months for threatening language, with the sentences running concurrently.
The case has drawn widespread attention from civil society organisations, women’s rights groups, and the opposition APC, which criticised the sentencing as politically motivated. The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the 50/50 Group have also raised concerns about the implications for freedom of expression and women’s political participation.
Sheriff’s legal team has filed an appeal, arguing that the Magistrate Court lacked proper jurisdiction and that the sentence was excessive for a first-time offender. The High Court ruled on 18 June 2026 that the appeal may proceed to a full hearing.
The aunt of Zainab Sheriff confirmed that she visited Sheriff a few days ago at the Sierra Leone Female Correctional Centre in New England and found her alive but unwell.
