Former Military Officer and Politician Remanded on Incitement Charges

Former Military Officer and Politician Remanded on Incitement Charges

Politician and former military officer was placed in custody on Monday, January 26, 2026, following formal charges of incitement. The charges stem from a widely circulated social media video that allegedly called for public unrest across Sierra Leone.

The defendant, identified as Moriba, the Public Relations Officer for the APC party in the Southern Province, appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2. He was formally charged with incitement contrary to law.

The prosecution asserted that on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in Kamalo Village within the Karina Judicial District of the Northeastern Province, the defendant produced an audio and video clip containing incendiary content. This video was subsequently posted on the TikTok account "Salone Gossip Hub" and was purportedly intended to incite mayhem, public disorder, chaos, and general unrest throughout the nation.

Upon the reading and explanation of the charge, the defendant did not enter a plea.

The prosecuting counsel informed the court that the defense had been served with a copy of the prosecution's file. Defense counsel confirmed receipt and requested a short adjournment to thoroughly review the materials.

Lead defense counsel, M. A. Kamara Esq., submitted an application for bail on the defendant's behalf. Counsel emphasized that Moriba is a law-abiding citizen of Sierra Leone with reliable individuals prepared to serve as sureties. He contended that if bail were granted, the defendant would neither abscond nor interfere with prosecution witnesses and would diligently attend all subsequent court hearings. The application was made in accordance with Section 76(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.

However, Magistrate Fornah, after meticulous consideration of the bail application and the affidavit in opposition filed by the prosecution, denied the request for bail.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to January 28, 2026, for further judicial proceedings.