Police Officer Employed by IGP Fayia Sellu Remanded in Prison Over Alleged Embezzlement
Deborah Sorie Thirty-nine-year-old civil servant and police officer Mendayga Salia has been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1.
Salia is facing one count of embezzlement, contrary to Section 17(2)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the prosecution, Salia allegedly embezzled Le104,200 and US$900, said to be equivalent to Le22,140, between July 1 and September 28, 2026, in Freetown.
The prosecution alleges that Salia was employed by the Inspector General of Police and that the money belonged to the Sierra Leone Police.
The charge was read and explained to Salia, but no plea was taken because the matter is proceeding through committal proceedings.
The prosecution was represented by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dellia Wellington, who told the court that copies of the case and inquiry files had been served on the defence.
Defence lawyer M.A. Turay applied for bail under Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
Counsel argued that Salia is a Sierra Leonean resident within the court’s jurisdiction and would not abscond if released on bail.
However, Magistrate Jah refused the bail application, citing the seriousness of the alleged offence.
Salia was subsequently remanded at the Male Correctional Facility.
The matter has been adjourned to October 13, 2026.