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Wilberforce Strikers FC head coach Julius Gibrilla Woobay is emerging as one of the standout tacticians in the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League season, following an impressive run that has showcased his team’s defensive discipline and consistency. Under Woobay’s leadership, Wilberforce Strikers FC have conceded just one goal in their last seven matches, keeping six clean sheets in the process. The remarkable defensive record has positioned the club among the most organized and difficult teams to break down in the league. The team’s strong form has been widely attributed to Woobay’s tactical structure, game management, and ability to motivate his squad, with players demonstrating improved cohesion and resilience both in attack and defence. His coaching impact has transformed Wilberforce Strikers into a side known for discipline and compact defending, earning growing respect within Sierra Leone’s top-flight football circle. In recognition of his outstanding performance, Woobay has been nominated for the Leone Rock Premier League Coach of the Month award for April, a reflection of his rising influence in domestic football. Wilberforce Strikers FC continue to enjoy a strong run of form as the season progresses, with both the team and its coach receiving increasing praise for their consistency, tactical organization, and competitive edge.

Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, has reportedly been evicted from a council-owned flat in London following an investigation into her continued occupancy of the subsidised property. According to a report by The Times, the tenancy was terminated after concerns were raised about her eligibility to retain the housing unit while residing in Sierra Leone as First Lady. The investigation, carried out by The Times in collaboration with the organize crime and Corruption Reporting Project, found that the property had reportedly been left unoccupied for an extended period after Mrs. Bio relocated to the State Lodge in Freetown following the election of her husband, Julius Maada Bio. The findings reportedly prompted Southwark Council, the local authority responsible for the property, to review the tenancy arrangement. The council subsequently terminated the agreement after determining that the conditions for continued occupancy under its subsidised housing scheme may no longer have been met. The flat had been allocated under a public housing programme and had drawn scrutiny following questions over compliance with residency requirements. The Times further reported that the decision was taken after the council reviewed evidence gathered during the investigation, effectively ending Mrs. Bio’s long-term tenancy of the property. Following the report, the First Lady reacted on Facebook, rejecting the characterization of the development as an eviction. “How do U evict a person who does not leave in a property? Termination is consensual and both parties agree and sign. This is stale news. 1st Bondo society now eviction, so what’s next? APC, allow me to breathe. Like HE Tinubu says ‘this is my time,’” she wrote. Her statement suggests that the arrangement ended through mutual agreement rather than a forced eviction, countering the framing presented in parts of the media report. The development has sparked public debate in both Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom, with discussions focusing on housing eligibility rules, transparency in public office, and the use of subsidised housing by public figures.

The High Court on Siaka Stevens Street convened for the case involving Bankole Koroma and Hawa Kamara. The defendants are accused of the death of their tenant, Aminata Kamara, before Justice Abdul Rahman Mansaray. The two-count indictment includes conspiracy to murder, contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and murder under Section 1 of the same Act. The State alleges that on March 14, 2024, in Freetown, the defendants conspired to commit the act. The prosecution further alleges that the death of Aminata Kamara occurred on March 17, 2024. State Counsel Jesse Tucker informed the court of procedural challenges regarding witness attendance. "We intend to adopt a different approach moving forward," Tucker stated, noting the current difficulties in securing testimonies. It was also disclosed during the hearing that the first defendant, Bankole Koroma, is deceased. Justice Abdul Rahman Mansaray adjourned the matter until July 1, 2026, for further hearings following these submissions. The case has prompted discussions regarding legal protections and safety within the tenant-landlord relationship in Freetown. The judicial process continues as the court seeks to resolve the legal questions surrounding the incident.

Nyapui Senior Secondary School of Excellence in Kenema has reportedly been hit by another fire incident, barely months after two previous blaze destroyed part of its boarding facilities. The latest fire is said to have broken out around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, 11 June 2026, causing fresh concern among students, parents, and residents of the city. The incident has reignited public debate over safety standards at the institution, particularly as it comes shortly after two major fire in 2026 that caused significant damage to one of the school’s boarding homes. At the time, authorities promised investigations into the cause of the fire, but questions are now being raised about whether the findings were ever made public and whether recommended safety measures were fully implemented. Nyapui School of Excellence is one of Sierra Leone’s flagship institutions for girls’ education, established to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies. The school was designed to provide modern learning and boarding facilities for young girls pursuing careers in science and technology. While the cause of the latest fire remains unknown, the incident has renewed calls for comprehensive investigations, improved fire safety systems, and stronger protection measures for students. Parents and education advocates are urging authorities to determine what caused the repeated incidents and to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of students and staff at the institution. As investigations begin, many are awaiting answers on how the latest tragedy occurred and what can be done to prevent a recurrence.

In a masterclass of school-level cricket, War Wounded Academy has been crowned champions of the Cricket Sierra Leone (CSL) Western Rural Inter-School Criiio Cup. The Academy secured the title following a commanding 37-run victory over rivals Go Flames, punctuating a tournament that showcased the rising standard of the sport in the region. The final began with Go Flames winning the toss and electing to field, a tactical move intended to pressure the Academy’s batting lineup. However, War Wounded Academy responded with clinical efficiency. In a blistering five-over innings, the eventual champions amassed an imposing 69 runs for the loss of only a single wicket, setting a formidable target and seizing the momentum early in the contest. Go Flames’ pursuit of the 70-run target never truly found its rhythm. Stifled by disciplined bowling and a tight fielding unit, they were restricted to a mere 33 runs for the loss of four wickets across their five overs. The resulting 37-run margin of victory reflected the Academy’s superiority in all departments of the game. This championship victory is the culmination of an intensive competitive cycle featuring eight local schools. The success of the festival is a testament to the infrastructure provided by 40 dedicated cricket development officers, whose expertise was visible in the technical quality of the participating teams. Individual excellence was also celebrated during the post-match honors. Mary Sama of RCE Upper Primary School, Jui, earned the Best Bowler distinction for her consistency. However, the day belonged to the Academy's Sarah Mansaray, who swept the individual accolades. Mansaray was named both Best Batter and Most Valuable Player (MVP), a fitting recognition for her pivotal role in her school's championship run. The Western Rural programme, a cornerstone of Cricket Sierra Leone's outreach, successfully engaged over 3,000 girls, mirroring the high participation rates seen in the previous Western Urban edition. This surge in interest underscores a growing appetite for the game among young female athletes. Looking ahead, Cricket Sierra Leone is set to expand these celebrations to five additional districts as part of the ICC Women's Cricket Week. This ongoing initiative continues to solidify the foundation for women's cricket, ensuring that the sport's growth is both sustainable and national in scope.

Komba Mbayoh, a 59-year-old businessman, has been remanded to the Freetown male correctional facility following his arraignment on charges related to land fraud. The defendant faces four counts, including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretenses, and causing money to be paid through deceptive means. Court documents indicate the alleged offenses occurred between December 3, 2023, and December 15, 2024, in the Murray Town area of Freetown. The prosecution alleges that Mbayoh conspired to unlawfully obtain 841,500 Leones from Margaret Hall by falsely claiming ownership of a land parcel in Sussex Village. Additional counts allege that the defendant caused the complainant to incur a further 80,000 Leones in surveying costs for the property under the same false pretenses. The charges were read during the committal hearing, though no plea was entered. Chief Superintendent Tommy B. Zizer, representing the prosecution, confirmed that the defendant had received his witness statement. Magistrate Jah denied bail, citing the gravity of the allegations, and ordered the defendant remain in custody. The proceedings have been adjourned to June 17, 2026.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has inaugurated a CAF C Diploma Coaching Course at the Sierra Leone Football Academy in Freetown. This initiative represents the second such program organized by the Association in the last four months, underscoring an intensified focus on technical education within the domestic game. Administered by the SLFA Technical Department under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) framework, the training aligns with President Babadi Kamara’s strategic agenda to professionalize coaching and enhance grassroots development structures across the country. The curriculum provides participants with instruction on modern tactical methodologies, player development techniques, and practical skills. By expanding the pool of qualified instructors, the SLFA aims to establish a more robust foundation for the future of football in Sierra Leone.

ILRAJ Questions Transparency of GPD and Diming Yimo Deal The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) has formally requested comprehensive details from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education regarding the modernization of the Government Printing Department (GPD) and its subsequent joint venture with Diming Yimo Printing Company. In correspondence addressed to the Minister on June 4, 2026, ILRAJ sought clarification on the legal, financial, and governance frameworks governing the partnership, citing significant public interest and the need for institutional transparency. While acknowledging the potential for technological advancement within the GPD, the organization emphasized that the scale of the arrangement necessitates rigorous public scrutiny and adherence to statutory protocols. Key areas of concern identified by ILRAJ include foreign investment structures, revenue-sharing models, and the expanded operational mandate of the GPD, particularly as they pertain to procurement integrity and electoral security. Preliminary investigations by ILRAJ, involving the Law Officers' Department, failed to uncover specific legal instruments authorizing the department's current statutory status or the modernization agreement. "This lack of disclosure constitutes a governance concern that underscores the necessity of this formal request," the organization noted. The inquiry specifically requests documentation on the legal basis for GPD operations and the executive authority under which the agreement with Diming Yimo was finalized. ILRAJ has requested copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), concession agreements, and specific data regarding the reported 70-30 revenue-sharing split to determine the beneficiaries and the criteria for such a distribution. Further queries seek to verify if the partnership underwent competitive procurement, whether tax incentives were granted, and if the agreement received required parliamentary ratification. Additionally, information was requested regarding the GPD's internal governance, pricing structures, oversight mechanisms, and audit procedures to ensure a robust accountability framework. Invoking the Right to Access Information Act of 2013, ILRAJ reminded the Ministry of the statutory timeframe for compliance and requested a legal explanation for any information withheld under exemptions. The organization maintained that the request aims to foster public confidence and ensure accountability for a project of significant national importance. Formal copies of the request were concurrently submitted to the Government Printer and the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC).

Defense Team Challenges Conviction of Zainab Sheriff in Incitement Case The legal representatives for Zainab Sheriff, a prominent public figure and politician, have formally lodged an appeal against her conviction and subsequent sentence of four years and two months. The appeal seeks to overturn the ruling delivered on April 14, 2026, by Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah. The lower court found Ms. Sheriff guilty of incitement and the use of threatening language under Section 30(1) of the Public Order Act of 1965. The charges stemmed from a public address delivered at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium on January 31, 2026. The defense team, led by counsels M. M. Bah and Roland Wright, has articulated several legal grounds for the appeal, primarily challenging the clarity of the charges and the interpretation of the defendant's statements. Central to the defense's argument is the assertion that Ms. Sheriff’s remarks constituted protected political opinion rather than a criminal solicitation of violence. The appeal further contends that the evidence admitted during the trial—specifically video recordings of the speech—suffered from procedural lapses regarding authenticity and the chain of custody. The defense maintains that these evidentiary issues undermined the reliability of the prosecution's case. Furthermore, the defense emphasizes that the remarks in question did not explicitly incite murder or specific criminal acts, thus failing to meet the legal threshold for incitement. The legal team also raised concerns regarding the denial of bail during the trial phase, arguing that the flight risk justification was disproportionate given the bailable nature of the charges and the defendant's cooperation with authorities. The case has prompted national discourse regarding the boundaries of political dissent and the protection of constitutional rights to free speech. While supporters view the conviction as a threat to democratic expression, critics argue that the judicial response was necessary to maintain national stability within a sensitive political climate. As the appellate court prepares to review the lower court's legal interpretations and evidentiary findings, the proceedings are expected to set a critical precedent for political discourse in Sierra Leone. The defense has expressed confidence that a rigorous judicial review will result in the vacation of the sentence.

Sierra Leone Joins Global Mangrove Alliance to Bolster Coastal Protection Sierra Leone has formally joined the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) to bolster coastal protection and climate resilience. The National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) and Conservation International inaugurated the national chapter at Freetown's Family Kingdom resort. Emphasizing the theme “United for Healthy Mangroves, Resilient Communities, Sustainable Future,” the initiative seeks to unite government, conservationists, and local partners to mitigate the loss of coastal ecosystems. Dwight Z. K. Sheriff, Deputy Executive Director of the NPAA, emphasized the necessity of coordinated, multi-stakeholder action to secure livelihoods, preserve biodiversity, and enhance coastal defenses against rising sea levels. This launch marks a strategic shift in national environmental policy, establishing a unified framework for wetland restoration and the protection of vulnerable coastal populations.

Prosecution Presents Key Evidence in Turay’s Burglary Trial The prosecution has presented critical evidence in the ongoing trial of James Turay before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2. Turay, a fisherman, is charged with one count of burglary and larceny, in violation of Sections 25 (1) and (13) of the Larceny Act of 1916. The first prosecution witness, Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K., provided testimony identifying both the complainant and the defendant. Thoronka testified that the burglary was reported on February 13, 2026, at No. 16A James McCarthy Drive, Spur Road, Freetown. A police team, led by DASP Jimmy J. Momoh, conducted a scene visit and documented the site with numerous photographs. Following the investigation, statements were collected from the complainant and various witnesses. These documents were formally tendered into evidence as Exhibits A1-A4, B1-B10, C1-C10, D1-D13, and E1-E4. The court heard that Turay was arrested on May 7, 2026, at the residence of the Algerian Ambassador, Hachem Abselhafid. On May 12, 2026, DPC 18468 Kamara A.M. and PC Thoronka obtained a caution statement from the defendant. The statement, recorded in English from Krio, was authenticated by Turay’s right thumbprint and witnessed by DPC Kamara. This document was tendered as Exhibit F1-F9. A second statement, obtained under caution on May 19, 2026, was also recorded and signed by the defendant. This was tendered as Exhibit G1-G4. Both statements are central to the prosecution's evidence regarding the alleged offenses. Magistrate Fornah has ordered subpoenas for absent witnesses to ensure their appearance at the next hearing. The proceedings have been adjourned to June 16, 2026. The defendant remains in custody as the trial continues.

The Student-Preneur Hustle: Emiglow Scent’s One-Year Anniversary Campus Pop-Up Juggling the rigors of academia with the demands of an emerging empire is a balancing act few master—but one FBC visionary is rewriting the playbook. Last Friday, the student-led fragrance house, The Emiglow Scent, marked its one-year milestone, transforming the Mary Kingsley Auditorium into a bustling pop-up destination that left shelves bare and spirits high. The event was more than a mere sale; it was a masterclass in community-driven entrepreneurship: Redefining Accessible Luxury: By bringing a premium retail experience directly to campus, the brand proved that 'smelling expensive on a smart budget' is not just a slogan, but a viable business model. Students gained access to high-end perfume oils, deodorants, and accessories without the friction of a commute. Strategic Incentivization: The CEO’s anniversary discount for transactions over 300 Leones was a brilliant tactical play, converting shoppers into loyal patrons while driving volume. Lifestyle Branding: The pop-up functioned as a lifestyle event. With a booth designed for the social-media savvy crowd, it tapped into the 'soft life' aesthetic, turning a commercial venture into an experience that resonated with both style-conscious students and those seeking a premium signature scent. The Power of Partnerships: The CEO’s candid acknowledgment of her partner’s role highlights a crucial entrepreneurial reality: scaling a business requires a solid foundation. As The Emiglow Scent kicks off year two, it stands as a testament to the fact that campus-based startups are no longer just side projects—they are dynamic, value-driven enterprises.