Cyber Evidence Presented Against APC National Secretary General in High-Profile Case

In a high-profile case at Pademba Road Court No. 1, prosecution presented cyber evidence against Lansana Dumbuya, a prominent politician and lawyer, who faces charges of incitement, insulting language, and behaving in an insulting manner.

The charges stem from a speech allegedly made at Brima Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown on 31 January 2026.

On Tuesday, the prosecution’s lead witness, Detective Abdulia Dumbuya of the Cyber Crime Unit at CID headquarters, detailed the investigation that led to the charges. He explained that routine cyber monitoring uncovered a video showing Dumbuya allegedly encouraging supporters to insult President Julius Maada Bio.

The video, retrieved and stored on a pendrive, reportedly captured the defendant urging supporters to call the President a thief. Detective Dumbuya said the video was repeatedly reviewed during the investigation, and the defendant identified himself as the speaker.

The witness further stated that the cyber unit acted following a report from Regional Officer ASP Francis Momodu Tommy on 1 February 2026. A case file was opened, and the defendant was invited for questioning on 2 February but did not appear. He later came to CID headquarters on 4 February with his legal team, including lawyer Sulaiman K. Koroma.

During a voluntary interview, Dumbuya confirmed that the video featured the defendant. He signed a written caution statement confirming the accuracy of the content. Analysis of the pendrive was completed by 5 February, establishing the content and its implications.

The charges were read to the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. During cross-examination, the defense questioned whether the police obtained statements from key individuals or whether any arrests resulted from the speech. The prosecution clarified that the investigation focused solely on the cyber aspect, and no arrests were made.

The defense also highlighted that the defendant spoke in his capacity as APC National Secretary General, not as an individual.

Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah adjourned the case to 5 March 2026 for further proceedings. The case continues to draw national attention amid debates in Sierra Leone on free speech, political expression, and the limits of incitement.