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Two Sierra Leonean men, Abdul Kanu and Mohammed Abu Turay, have been remanded at Pademba Road Prison after being charged for the alleged illegal sharing of President Julius Maada Bio’s official travel itinerary.
The case, which has drawn attention to issues of state secrecy and freedom of information, unfolded at the Pademba Road Court No. 1 before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
The defendants face two counts of “wrongful communication of a document,” a charge contrary to the Treason and State Offences Act of 1963.
The police prosecution alleges that between August 20 and 30, 2025, Abdul Kanu was in possession of the detailed travel manifest for President Bio and his entourage’s trip to the United Kingdom and communicated it to Mohammed Abu Turay.
In a related charge, the indictment states that Turay, on the same dates, communicated the same presidential manifest to an unidentified individual in Dubai.
Following the reading of the charges, the lead defense counsel, J. Wales, applied for bail for his clients. He argued that Kanu and Turay were Sierra Leoneans with no criminal records, were breadwinners for their families, and had cooperated fully with the police investigation. Wales assured the court they would not abscond or interfere with witnesses.
However, State Counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay, representing the prosecution, requested an adjournment to confer with witnesses and serve relevant documents to the defense.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Jah denied bail, citing the “seriousness of the offense.” The decision means Kanu and Turay will remain in custody until their next court appearance.
The case has been adjourned to September 29, 2025, when the prosecution is expected to open its case. The charges fall under a law that requires the written consent of the Attorney General, which the prosecution confirmed it has obtained.
Defendants: Abdul Kanu and Mohammed Abu Turay.
Charges: Wrongful communication of a document (Treason and State Offences Act).
Key Item: The travel manifest for President Julius Maada Bio’s trip to the UK.
Magistrate: Mustapha Brima Jah.
Next Court Date: September 29, 2025.
Current Status: Defendants remanded in custody; bail denied.
The outcome of this case is being closely watched, as it touches on the boundaries of confidential state information and individual accountability in Sierra Leone.
