Sheik detained after advising Muslims against Christmas festivities

Sheik detained after advising Muslims against Christmas festivities

Sheik Abubakar Kamara, who recently delivered a lecture advising Muslims against participating in Christmas festivities, including the exchange of food and gifts, under the threat of divine punishment, was reportedly invited to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, South, at the Bo West Police Station. 

Police sources confirm he was subsequently interrogated and detained overnight.

He was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Freetown earlier this morning for further inquiry. Reports indicate his detention relates to allegations of incitement, stemming from his teachings in a nation generally characterized by religious tolerance, interfaith marriages, and the recognition of various denominational holidays.

The Sheik has since issued a public apology for his remarks.

The incident originated from a symposium on the relevance of Christmas festivities in relation to religion, which took place at Njala.