Man Accuses Police of Extortion in Controversial Goat Case

Michael J. Konneh has accused the Sierra Leone Police of extortion following his arrest in connection with a dispute over the sale of a goat.

According to Konneh, the matter began when a man named Mr. Heir gave him money to purchase a female goat. Konneh later informed Heir that the goat had died. Heir, however, reportedly doubted the explanation and reported the matter to the police.

Konneh claims that upon arriving at the police station, he explained that he did not have a female goat to sell and admitted he lacked the funds to refund Heir. He alleges that the officer in charge demanded he hand over his two male goats instead.

He further stated that during the exchange, officers accused him of criminal activity, demanded Le500 for bail, and unlawfully removed Le387 from his pocket. Konneh said he requested that at least Le87 be returned for transport, but the officers allegedly refused before placing him in a police cell.