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On SLBC’s Morning Coffee program today, Lawyer Davies from the Sierra Leone Law Society criticized the arrest of protest organizers Wadi Williams and Thomas Babadi, claiming the police violated constitutional protections.
Williams and Babadi were detained after planning a protest against the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) over the June 24, 2023, elections. Police justify their arrest on charges of subversion and alleged dissemination of false information.
The debate comes amid heightened national security concerns. Abdul Kareem Will, spokesperson for the Office of National Security (ONS), condemned what he described as fearmongering by “unpatriotic miscreants” in the diaspora. Will cited ongoing vigilance after incidents including the August 10, 2023, unrest and attempted coups on November 26, 2023, and earlier in 2024.
Callers to the program largely supported the police action and criticized Lawyer Davies for allegedly prioritizing the rights of individuals over national stability. One caller questioned Davies’ allegiance to Sierra Leone, suggesting he held a British passport—an accusation Davies firmly denied.
Presidential spokesman Alpha Khan called into the show to appeal for calm and urged citizens to ignore incitements to disrupt peace during the festive season.
Davies argued that the Law Society’s focus is on protecting citizens’ constitutional rights and condemned the arrests as illegal. Critics, however, called for the Law Society to take concrete legal action, such as filing a writ of habeas corpus, rather than issuing press statements and making media appearances.
The discussion on Morning Coffee also spotlighted broader justice system issues. Critics questioned the Law Society’s priorities, noting the lack of advocacy regarding former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s (EBK) treason case. EBK, charged with four counts of treason, has failed to appear in court on multiple occasions despite being granted bail under strict conditions. The court has not enforced penalties against his sureties or issued an international bench warrant, prompting public frustration over perceived judicial leniency.
Additionally, unresolved cases, such as the killing of 21 citizens, including 18 soldiers, during the November 26, 2023, events, remain a flashpoint. Critics argue the Law Society should champion justice in these high-profile matters to demonstrate its commitment to systemic change.
