APC Politician Remanded Over Alleged Incitement via TikTok Videos

Mohamed Moriba, a politician, former military officer, and Southern Province PRO for the All People’s Congress (APC) party, has been remanded to the male correctional center in Freetown following allegations of incitement through digital media.

Moriba appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2, facing charges related to the creation and dissemination of audio-visual content allegedly intended to provoke unrest.

According to court documents, on Saturday, 27 December 2025, at Kamalo Village in the Karina Judicial District of the Northeastern Province, Moriba allegedly produced a video clip posted on the TikTok account of Salone Gossip Hub. The content is said to have been designed to incite chaos, disorder, and unrest in Sierra Leone. No plea was entered when the charge was read.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, leading the prosecution, called cyber analyst Ibrahim Sorie Kamara as the second witness. Kamara testified that he examined three videos obtained from social media via the Scientific Support Unit at CID headquarters. While the videos did not explicitly contain instructions for violence, he explained, they had the potential to incite unrest.

Kamara’s transcript of the analysis was tendered into court as “Exhibit A1-18.”

The analyst further noted that the content contained language targeting President Julius Maada Bio, though he could not confirm any direct link between the TikTok account handlers and the defendant.

During cross-examination, Moriba’s lawyer, C. Kamara, requested bail citing the defendant’s ill health and need for medical treatment, promising to submit supporting documentation. The prosecution opposed bail, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence. Magistrate Fornah denied the request, highlighting the gravity of the charges.

The case has been adjourned to 5 February 2026 for further proceedings.