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A high-profile matter before Pademba Road Court No. 1 has drawn significant public interest as prosecutors presented cyber-related evidence against Lansana Dumbuya, a prominent politician and legal practitioner facing charges of incitement, insulting language, and behaving in an insulting manner.
The charges arise from a speech allegedly delivered on 31 January 2026 at Brima Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown. Prosecutors contend that statements made during the event amounted to criminal conduct under relevant public order laws.
On Tuesday, Detective Abdulia Dumbuya of the Cyber Crime Unit at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters testified as the prosecution’s lead witness. He told the court that routine cyber monitoring led investigators to a video purportedly showing Dumbuya addressing supporters and allegedly encouraging them to direct insulting remarks at President Julius Maada Bio.
According to the witness, the video was retrieved and stored on a pendrive as part of the investigation. He stated that investigators reviewed the footage multiple times and that the defendant identified himself as the individual speaking in the recording. Detective Dumbuya further informed the court that the Cyber Crime Unit acted on a report filed on 1 February 2026 by Regional Officer ASP Francis Momodu Tommy, after which a case file was opened.
The court heard that the defendant was invited for questioning on 2 February but did not appear. He later reported to CID headquarters on 4 February accompanied by his legal team, including lawyer Sulaiman K. Koroma. During what police described as a voluntary interview, Dumbuya reportedly confirmed that he was the person featured in the video and signed a written caution statement. Investigators completed their analysis of the pendrive by 5 February, concluding that the content supported the charges.
When the charges were formally read in court, Dumbuya pleaded not guilty.
During cross-examination, the defense questioned whether police obtained statements from individuals allegedly affected by the speech and whether any arrests resulted from the remarks. The prosecution responded that the investigation focused specifically on the cyber dimension of the case and confirmed that no arrests were made in connection with the speech.
Defense counsel also emphasized that Dumbuya was speaking in his capacity as National Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC), rather than in a personal capacity.
Presiding Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah adjourned the matter to 5 March 2026 for further proceedings.
The case has attracted national attention, with observers pointing to broader debates in Sierra Leone concerning freedom of expression, political speech, and the legal thresholds for incitement. Proceedings are expected to continue at the next hearing date.
