APC Secretary General Remanded for Allegedly Insulting President Bio

APC Secretary General Remanded for Allegedly Insulting President Bio

Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Thursday, February 12, 2026, ordered the remand of Lansana Dumbuya, Esq., the Secretary General of the All People's Congress (APC), following charges related to insulting President Julius Maada Bio.

Despite the gravity of the proceedings, Dumbuya, a lawyer with 26 years of professional experience, maintained a composed demeanor in the dock. The courtroom and courtyard saw a notable presence of APC supporters demonstrating solidarity with their leader.

Dumbuya faced three charges: incitement, use of insulting language, and behavior likely to incite a breach of the peace. Court records allege that on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown, he encouraged supporters to chant an insult, reportedly stating, “Are wan sing now leh una sing wit me. Maada Bio tifi tifi” (We want to sing now, you sing with me. Maada Bio is a thief, thief).

Furthermore, police alleged that Dumbuya directed insulting words at President Bio, causing annoyance to police officer Francis Tommy, and that he engaged in disorderly conduct by referring to the President as a thief.

Dumbuya entered a plea of not guilty to all counts.

During the hearing, lead Prosecuting Counsel, Yusuf Isaac Sesay, requested an adjournment, stating that he had only recently received instructions to prosecute the matter and required time to consult with witnesses. He confirmed that all necessary court bundles had been served to the defense.

The defense, led by Counsel Sulaiman Kabba Koroma, applied for bail, arguing that the circumstances did not necessitate detention. Counsel Koroma emphasized that Dumbuya did not pose a flight risk and that his public statements had not resulted in any civil unrest or arrests. He urged the court to grant the bail application.

Prosecutors opposed the bail application, submitting a formal affidavit in opposition.

In his ruling, Magistrate Jah acknowledged the seriousness of the charges. He ordered Dumbuya to be remanded in custody pending further proceedings and adjourned the case to February 16, 2026. The delivery of the ruling was met with APC party songs chanted by supporters outside the courtroom.