Women’s Rights Group Demands Immediate Release of Edwina Jamiru

The African Women’s Research Initiative for Social Empowerment (African Women’s R.I.S.E.) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Edwina Jamiru, describing her continued detention as a miscarriage of justice and a threat to women and girls who speak out against alleged abuse by powerful figures.

In a press statement issued on December 14, 2025, the organization said Jamiru, now 20, was a secondary school student when she allegedly entered into a sexual relationship with Justice Momoh Jah Stevens, a judge of the Court of Appeal and a senior lecturer at Fourah Bay College, where Jamiru is currently a student.

According to the statement, Jamiru became pregnant during the alleged relationship and was pressured to terminate the pregnancy, which she reportedly refused. African Women’s R.I.S.E. further claimed that Justice Stevens later withdrew financial support during and after the pregnancy.

The organization said the matter subsequently went to court, where DNA tests conducted by two independent laboratories reportedly confirmed with 99 percent certainty that Justice Stevens is the biological father of the child. A court order directing him to provide child support was issued, but African Women’s R.I.S.E. said the order has not been enforced.

Justice Stevens was previously suspended from the bench but later reinstated, the statement noted, following public debate and reactions from sections of civil society, women’s rights groups, and social media commentators.

African Women’s R.I.S.E. said Jamiru later took to social media to speak publicly about her experience and what she described as institutional failures to protect her. In one of her final videos, she reportedly criticized the Government of Sierra Leone and the Office of the First Lady, questioning the effectiveness of the “Hands Off Our Girls” initiative.

According to the organization, Jamiru was arrested at her home shortly after the video circulated and has remained in police detention since then.

Public concern over the case has continued to grow. Journalist Agnes Pratt recently reported heightened public alarm, with some citizens expressing fears that Justice Stevens may be using his influence to prolong Jamiru’s detention. While these claims have not been independently verified, African Women’s R.I.S.E. said the situation has undermined public confidence in the justice system.

The organization also raised concerns about Jamiru’s mental and emotional wellbeing, warning that prolonged detention could cause further psychological harm.

In its statement, African Women’s R.I.S.E. outlined several demands, including Jamiru’s immediate release, an independent investigation into the conduct of those involved, enforcement of the existing child support order, protection for survivors and whistleblowers, and public accountability regarding the “Hands Off Our Girls” initiative.

The organization described the case as a critical test of whether Sierra Leone’s justice system protects vulnerable citizens or shields those in positions of power.