Two Men Remanded Over Alleged Disclosure of President Bio’s Travel Manifest

Two Men Remanded Over Alleged Disclosure of President Bio’s Travel Manifest

Abdul Kanu and Mohammed Abu Turay appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah on Tuesday, facing charges related to the unlawful disclosure of President Julius Maada Bio’s travel manifest.

The two men, accused of compromising national security under the Treason and State Security Act of 1963, are now in custody as investigations continue.

They face two counts of wrongful communication of a government document, under Section 7(1)(a) of the Treason and State Security Act, as amended. Court documents allege that between August 20 and 30, 2025, Kanu, in possession of the president’s travel manifest, unlawfully shared it with Turay. Turay is accused of further transmitting the information to contacts in Dubai, violating national security protocols.

During proceedings, the charges were read and explained to both defendants, but no plea was entered. Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay, Esq., confirmed that the Attorney General and Minister of Justice had filed written consent for the trial, dated September 22, 2025.

Defense counsel J. Wales requested fourteen days to prepare witnesses and serve relevant documents, also applying for bail on the grounds that the defendants are Sierra Leoneans, reside locally, have no prior criminal records, and have cooperated fully with investigations. Wales emphasized that the men are presumed innocent until proven guilty and noted they had been detained for 23 days without bail.

Magistrate Jah, citing the seriousness of the charges and the potential threat to national security, denied bail and adjourned the case to September 29, 2025.