A women’s rights organization, African Women’s Research Initiative for Social Empowerment (African Women’s R.I.S.E.), has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Edwina Jamiru, whose continued detention has sparked growing public concern.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the organization said Jamiru’s detention represents a miscarriage of justice and raises serious questions about accountability and the protection of vulnerable women and girls in Sierra Leone.

African Women’s R.I.S.E. referenced reports by journalist Agnes Pratt indicating that public anxiety surrounding the case has intensified, particularly following allegations involving Justice Momoh Jah Stevens, a long-serving judicial officer who was appointed a High Court Judge in 2015 and is currently a Justice of the Court of Appeal.

According to the statement, civil society observers have expressed concern that Justice Stevens may be using his influence within the police force to prolong Jamiru’s detention. While the organization acknowledged that such allegations require independent investigation, it warned that the perception alone is damaging public confidence in the justice system.

Related News

The group also raised concerns about Jamiru’s mental and emotional wellbeing, stating that her continued detention could result in further psychological harm given the circumstances surrounding the case.

African Women’s R.I.S.E. described Jamiru’s situation as a case of “double victimization,” alleging that she was first exploited as a teenager by a powerful authority figure and is now being criminalized for seeking accountability, while the alleged perpetrator remains free and professionally protected.

The organization outlined several demands, including an independent investigation into the conduct of Justice Stevens and any law enforcement officers involved in Jamiru’s arrest and detention, enforcement of an existing child support order reportedly issued by the court, and protection for survivors and whistleblowers against retaliation.

The statement also called for public accountability from the Office of the First Lady regarding the effectiveness of the “Hands Off Our Girls” initiative, which the group says failed to protect Jamiru.

“This case has become a defining test of whether Sierra Leone’s justice system serves the vulnerable or shields the powerful,” the statement said.

Edwina Jamiru remains in detention as of the time of this report.