APC Condemns SG's "Unwarranted" Detention After PPRC Fine Paid

APC Condemns SG's "Unwarranted" Detention After PPRC Fine Paid

Dr. Kaifala Marrah, APC flagbearer aspirant and chief negotiator of the tripartite committee, has expressed profound concern regarding the detention of the party's Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya. Dr. Marrah characterized the arrest as unwarranted and a potential act of political intimidation, particularly given that the party had already satisfied all fines previously levied by the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC).

In a statement to Truth Media, Dr. Marrah asserted that the arrest "signals to the international community that this country is not conducive to normal political engagement," questioning the rationale for pursuing legal action against Mr. Dumbuya after the financial penalties had been settled.

"We suspect a continued pattern of intimidation against the APC," Dr. Marrah added. "If the PPRC imposed a fine and that fine was fully paid, the basis for arresting our Secretary General is highly questionable."

Mr. Dumbuya was remanded after Magistrate Brima Jah denied his bail application during his initial court appearance. He faces three charges: incitement, insulting conduct, and public insult against the President. The case is adjourned until February 16, 2026.

To ensure uninterrupted party operations, Mr. Dumbuya has formally delegated his responsibilities to the party’s Organising Secretary during his court proceedings.

Dr. Marrah and the APC maintain that this detention threatens both the functional capacity of the party and the broader climate of political stability, underscoring that the PPRC fine issue had been conclusively resolved. The party has formally requested a commitment to transparency and fairness in the judicial handling of its officials, warning that sustained political intimidation could erode confidence in Sierra Leone’s democratic environment.