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The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International has released a new report revealing widespread over-detention, denial of legal representation, and serious procedural violations across police detention facilities in Freetown.
According to findings from CHRDI’s independent monitoring exercise, conducted on April 28, May 5, and May 7, 2026, a total of 953 detainees were assessed across 15 police stations and posts in the capital. The organisation said the data exposed critical levels of non-compliance with statutory detention limits, prolonged pre-charge confinement, and structural weaknesses within the juvenile justice system.
CHRDI Chief Executive, Abdul M Fatoma, described the findings as alarming and called for urgent reforms.
“Every individual entering our justice system is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Yet these findings reveal a deeply alarming reality—hundreds of people are languishing in detention without access to legal representation or due process,” Fatoma stated.
He said the situation represents a systemic failure that undermines the rule of law and weakens public confidence in state institutions.
More Than Half Held Beyond Legal Time Limits
The report disclosed that out of the 953 monitored detainees, 495—representing 52 percent—were being held beyond the legally permitted detention period, while 458 were within lawful limits.
The Criminal Investigations Department reportedly recorded the highest number of violations, with 144 suspects held beyond legal limits and only 12 within lawful detention timeframes.
Other facilities with high levels of over-detention included Lumley with 45 cases, Aberdeen with 38, and Kissy Barracks with 36. Kissy Shell was identified as the only facility with no over-detained suspects.
Access to Lawyers Remains Limited
CHRDI also highlighted a major access-to-justice gap, noting that more than 900 detainees lacked legal representation during the monitoring period.
The report stated that 140 individuals at CID alone were being held without access to legal counsel. Smaller stations such as Adelaide Street and Kissy Shell also recorded detainees without lawyers.
The organisation warned that the absence of legal representation exposes suspects to arbitrary detention, coerced statements, and prolonged confinement.
Low Bail and Court Processing Rates
Across all monitored facilities, only 42 suspects were released on bail, while 55 were charged to court.
Police stations recording zero court charges included Ross Road, Kissy Shell, and Adelaide Street. Facilities with no bail releases included Kissy Barracks, PWD Kissy, Texaco, and Kissy Old Road.
Youths Form Majority of Detainees
The report found that persons aged between 18 and 35 made up the majority of detainees, with Ross Road recording 123 individuals in that age bracket and CID recording 91.
It further stated that males accounted for 93 percent of detainees, while females represented 7 percent.
Juveniles Found in Adult Cells
CHRDI said minors under the age of 18 were discovered in adult detention areas across 11 facilities.
Kissy Barracks reportedly recorded the highest number with 13 minors, followed by Calaba Town with seven, while Eastern Police Posts collectively recorded seven minors.
The organisation described the practice as a violation of child protection and juvenile justice laws.
Specific Cases Raise Concern
Among documented incidents, the report cited a case at Central Police Station where a suspect was allegedly detained for four days without bail or formal charge over an alleged civil debt of Le365.
At Ross Road Police Station, three murder suspects were reportedly still in detention despite being formally charged. A father and son had allegedly been held for 29 days, while another suspect had spent 25 days in custody as of May 7.
Another suspect accused of sexual penetration was said to have remained in detention for 46 days while awaiting legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
CHRDI also cited a cross-border case at CID involving a suspect held for 76 days due to delays linked to Guinean authorities, INTERPOL, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Call for Immediate Action
CHRDI has urged the government, police leadership, and justice sector institutions to take immediate corrective measures to restore legal compliance, safeguard detainees’ rights, and ensure accountability within the criminal justice system.
The organisation, which holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2015, said sustained reforms are necessary to protect human rights and strengthen public trust in Sierra Leone’s justice institutions.
