Sierra Leone Law School Rejects Crisis Claims as Probe Exceeds Mandate
The Sierra Leone Law School insists it remains fully operational despite a presidential probe into misconduct allegations, but Acting Assistant Director Emmanuel Sahr Tondoneh confirmed the investigation has now exceeded its eight-week mandate without concluding.
Speaking on AYV’s State of the Nation, Tondoneh rejected characterisations of the institution as being in crisis, maintaining that the allegations under investigation should not be treated as facts until the committee presents its findings.
The committee, established by President Julius Maada Bio on April 7, 2026, was initially given eight weeks to investigate allegations of wrongdoing at the Law School and submit its report. More than five months later, its work remains incomplete.
Tondoneh said the delay does not indicate inaction, noting that unforeseen circumstances can affect investigative timelines. He added that the ongoing probe has not disrupted the Law School’s operations, including admissions and examinations.
However, the institution faces significant governance questions. The Council of Legal Education referred former Director Dr Abu Bakarr Bangura to the Anti-Corruption Commission in March 2026 over allegations including unauthorised admissions, grade inflation, illicit fee collection, and financial misconduct. Separate allegations of sexual harassment involving students triggered a distinct committee investigation.
Bangura resigned effective June 30, 2026, and denied all wrongdoing. The Council appointed Supreme Court Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi as Acting Director alongside Tondoneh as Assistant to maintain continuity.
The Anti-Corruption Commission suspended its own investigation to avoid parallel inquiries pending the committee’s report. The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice has challenged the committee’s constitutional basis, arguing it bypasses statutory frameworks and undermines the ACC’s independence.