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A legal practitioner and journalist alleges he was physically assaulted by an Operational Support Division (OSD) officer at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Freetown on the evening of April 5.
Paul Kamara, who is also a lecturer at the University of Makeni (UniMak), claims the altercation resulted in his clothes being torn and pepper spray being deployed into his eyes by law enforcement.
The incident reportedly occurred after Kamara arrived at the CID premises at approximately 8:27 p.m. to follow up on the investigation into the sudden death of his colleague, Augustine Sensie Bangura. Bangura allegedly died of food poisoning at a guest house in the Funkia community.
According to Kamara’s account, after speaking with the investigating officers, he joined Bangura’s grieving family outside the building. While waiting, he witnessed a dispute between a police officer and an unidentified individual. Kamara claims he approached the scene in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. In response, police officers aggressively ordered him to vacate the premises. Despite identifying himself as a legal practitioner, Kamara alleges the situation escalated into a physical assault.
“My presence at the police station was entirely lawful,” Kamara stated. “I had gone there in connection with the ongoing police investigation into the death of my colleague, Augustine Sensie Bangura.”
As of publication, the Sierra Leone Police leadership and the specific officers involved have not issued a public response to the allegations.
The incident has quickly drawn condemnation from Kamara’s colleagues and local advocates. In statements circulating on social media, supporters have called for an urgent investigation, labeling the alleged police brutality an affront to fundamental human rights and a violation of constitutional protections under the law.
Meanwhile, the remains of Augustine Sensie Bangura are currently being held at Connaught Hospital as authorities continue their investigation into his death.
