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The Director of the Sierra Leone Law School, Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura has strongly denied a series of allegations levelled against him by the Council of Legal Education, describing the move to refer him to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as a “witch hunt.”
The Council announced on Friday, March 27, 2026, that it had referred Dr. Bangura to the ACC following what it called “extensive irregularities” uncovered during an emergency meeting. The allegations range from financial misconduct and academic malpractice to breaches of procurement procedures and sexual harassment claims.
However, in his response, Dr. Bangura rejected the accusations and claimed he has been the target of sustained opposition from within the legal establishment.
“Since I became Director, there has been a fight against me from 90 per cent of Council,” he said, suggesting that the actions taken against him are politically and professionally motivated.
He further alleged intimidation, claiming he has gone into hiding for the past two days after the Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda allegedly sent individuals to harass him, an accusation that has not been independently verified by Sierraloaded.
Dr. Bangura also named prominent figures within the legal community, including Tuma Jabbie, President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association and Supreme Court Judge Alusine Sesay as being among those opposed to his leadership at the Council.
The Council, meanwhile, maintains that preliminary findings point to serious concerns under Dr. Bangura’s tenure, including unauthorised student admissions, alleged grade inflation, irregular financial practices, and breaches of procurement rules. It also referenced ongoing concerns over alleged sexual harassment involving students.
Despite the mounting allegations, the Council confirmed it has accepted Dr. Bangura’s resignation, which will take effect on June 30, 2026. He has, however, been directed to proceed on immediate leave and barred from performing any official duties pending investigations.
Dr. Bangura is expected to cooperate with an independent review focusing on admissions and procurement processes at the institution, as the ACC prepares to commence formal investigations.
The case has generated widespread debate within Sierra Leone’s legal and academic circles, with many observers viewing it as a critical test of accountability. Analysts also warn that the resurfacing of “sex-for-grades” allegations highlights ongoing challenges within parts of the country’s tertiary education system.
As investigations unfold, attention remains fixed on both the ACC’s findings and the broader implications for governance and integrity in Sierra Leone’s higher education sector.
