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The Council of Legal Education has referred the Director of the Sierra Leone Law School, Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura, to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over a series of allegations ranging from financial misconduct to sexual harassment.
In a press release issued on Friday, March 27, 2026, the Council said an emergency meeting uncovered what it described as “extensive irregularities” that could undermine the integrity of the country’s premier legal training institution.
According to the Council, preliminary findings indicate multiple alleged violations under Dr. Bangura’s leadership, including unauthorised student admissions and the collection of funds outside approved procedures, raising concerns about possible financial impropriety.
The Council also cited alleged academic malpractice, including claims of grade inflation and the passing of students who failed to meet examination requirements. It further accused Dr. Bangura of breaching procurement regulations by independently entering into construction contracts and reportedly securing a commercial bank loan on behalf of the institution without authorisation.
Additional concerns include alleged unlawful staff appointments made outside the framework of the Council of Legal Education Act of 1989.
Separate from these issues, Dr. Bangura is also facing allegations of sexual harassment involving students. The Council noted that a committee had earlier been set up to investigate the claims.
The Council confirmed that it has accepted Dr. Bangura’s resignation, which is expected to take effect on June 30, 2026. He has, however, been directed to proceed on immediate leave and is barred from performing any official duties.
During this period, he is expected to cooperate with an independent review focusing on admissions and procurement practices at the institution. The Council added that interim leadership will be announced to ensure continuity in the school’s operations.
In response, Dr. Bangura has rejected the allegations, describing them as a “witch hunt” allegedly orchestrated by some senior members of the judiciary. He claimed he has been in hiding for the past two days after alleging that Chief Justice Komba Kamanda sent individuals to harass him.
“Since I became Director, there has been a fight against me from 90 per cent of Council,” he said.
Dr. Bangura also named the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) President, Tuma Jabbie and Supreme Court Judge, Alusine Sesay among senior figures he claims opposed his leadership.
The development has sparked concern within Sierra Leone’s legal and academic circles, with observers warning that the case reflects broader governance challenges within higher education institutions.
Particularly troubling are renewed concerns around “sex-for-grades” practices, which analysts say continue to surface in parts of the tertiary education system. If proven, such practices not only harm students but also erode confidence in academic and professional standards.
As the ACC prepares to commence a formal investigation, public attention remains fixed on the outcome, widely seen as a test of accountability and reform in Sierra Leone’s tertiary education sector.
