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Mena Police Station in Bombali District has officially constructed its first female holding cell, ending the exposure of women suspects to indignity, unsafe transfers, and violations of their human rights.
Mena Police, located in the northeast and one of the busiest stations, had previously lacked even the most basic facilities for female detainees.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mabinty Conteh described her frustration at seeing women subjected to unnecessary risks. “We were always forced to take them to Panlap or Rogbaneh, which are considerably far locations. Sometimes suspects ran away in the process, and the risks were too great. I contacted my seniors, who gave me the go-ahead, and I reached out to stakeholders for support. Today, I feel proud and happy that this project has been completed,” she said.
In the absence of a women’s cell, suspects were routinely taken to Panlap Police Post or Rogbaneh Police Station, both located at considerably distant locations. This practice exposed women to unsafe and humiliating conditions and increased the risk of escape during transit, an avoidable failure highlighting institutional negligence.
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Representing the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kargbo acknowledged the dangers caused by the lack of a female cell. “This is a memorable event. We all know how risky it was many times suspects escaped during transfers. We are happy such an initiative is coming from a woman,” he said, praising ASP Conteh’s efforts.
Human rights advocates have pointed out that the absence of a female holding facility violated both national and international legal standards. Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law, while international conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) require humane and segregated detention conditions. Until now, these obligations were overlooked at Mena Police Station.
The establishment of a female cell at Mena Police Station is a landmark achievement. It ensures that women in detention will now have safer and more dignified conditions. At the same time, it serves as a clear reminder that basic human rights in police custody cannot be left to chance and that institutional accountability is essential.
