31 suspects arrested on suspicion of the murder of the OSD North-East Regional Coordinator, ASP Mathew Gbanya, has been reportedly released from police custody.

According to reports from HOPE FM:93.3, a Source at the regional crime office in Makeni informed them of their release based on what they said to be ‘want of evidence’.

It was disclosed that 8 new suspects two of which are police personnel have been arrested and taken to Freetown to help in the investigation.

Gbanya was reportedly shot dead by an unknown assailant on Saturday, April 8, 2023, and his death was confirmed by North-East Police Spokesman, Sgt John Abass.

His death has since attracted reactions from various civil and non-civil societies including the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Former Minister, Sylvia Blyden, ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, among others.

Until his death, Gbanya was the OSD Regional Coordinator in the North. He was well known in Makeni and its environs for his strong physical appearance and firmness in executing raids, quelling standoff and ensuring law and order is maintained.