11 Arrested as Police Probe Deadly Kroo Town Road Riot

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have arrested and detained 11 individuals in connection with the violent riot that erupted along Kroo Town Road on September 13, 2026, during which a woman was found dead.

The arrests were disclosed during a police press briefing held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Freetown, on Wednesday, September 16.

According to the police, the unrest followed tensions surrounding a football match between Kroo Town Road Football Club and Kossoh Town Football Club. The violence later spread to surrounding areas, including Wellington Street off Siaka Stevens Street.

Freetown West Regional Commander, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Sylvester Koroma, said security forces responded after receiving information about the unrest and intervened to disperse the supporters.

He said a woman was found dead during the incident, adding that the circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.

The police have not officially confirmed the cause of death. A post-mortem examination is underway to establish the precise circumstances and cause of her death.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alieu Jalloh, head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), said the 11 suspects are being investigated for offences including throwing missiles, disorderly conduct and possession of offensive weapons.

“The suspects are being held on suspicion of throwing missiles, disorderly conduct, and carrying offensive weapons,” ACP Jalloh said.

The police said investigations are continuing and that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other individuals who may have been involved in the violence.

The incident has renewed concerns over violence associated with football-related gatherings, with the police saying they will continue investigations and strengthen security and community engagement efforts.

Further developments are expected as the investigation continues and the post-mortem findings become available.