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A 20-year-old worker at Crystal Springs Water Company in Yoni, Mile 91, Osman Bangura, has alleged that he was stripped naked and severely beaten by soldiers after being accused of stealing NLe10,000 from his workplace.
Bangura, who describes himself as an innocent employee, says the incident occurred after he and several co-workers were accused of the alleged theft. The workers reportedly denied the accusation.
According to Bangura, instead of being handed over to the police for formal investigation, they were taken to a military facility at the Mile 91 Community Centre along the Bo Highway, where he claims he was subjected to brutal treatment.
“A stick was placed on my back, and one of the soldiers beat me with a naked cable,” Bangura alleged.
“I was stripped naked and beaten until I was forced to admit that I did it.”
He further claimed that he spent the night in military custody without any formal charge, legal representation, or court appearance.
Bangura said he later regained his freedom after intervention from his in-law, Samuel Kanu, who allegedly paid NLe50 as bail, while an additional NLe400 was given to the company manager. He further claimed an agreement was reached for him to return to work without pay until the alleged debt is settled.
“I was forced to admit to something I didn’t do just to stop the beating,” he said.
However, when contacted, the soldiers stationed at the Mile 91 base denied the allegations of physical abuse and stripping. They confirmed that Bangura was held overnight but stated that he was investigated and allegedly admitted to the accusation during questioning.
The incident has sparked concern among residents of Mile 91, who are calling for accountability and proper adherence to legal procedures in handling criminal allegations.
Under Section 5(2)(b) of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution, the Armed Forces are mandated to “protect and safeguard the people of Sierra Leone.”
But in Mile 91, some residents say the alleged incident raises troubling questions about whether that responsibility is being upheld or undermined.
For Bangura, the experience remains deeply traumatic.
“The beating and humiliation will not leave my mind,” he said.
As investigations continue, the case has reignited public debate over the treatment of civilians in military custody and the boundaries of security enforcement in local communities.
