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Senegalese National Remanded Over Alleged Cocaine Trafficking at Lungi Airport Fatou Zingie Gueya, a 40-year-old Senegalese national, was remanded in custody by Justice Mark Ngagba at High Court No. 8 on Tuesday. The defendant faces multiple charges following the discovery of 1.8 kilograms of cocaine at Freetown International Airport. Gueya has been charged with four counts of unlawful possession of prohibited drugs, a violation of Section 8(a) of the National Drugs Control Act, 2008. The indictment alleges she was in possession of approximately 1.8 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, divided into two parcels, without legal authorization. Police reports indicate that the seizure occurred on April 3, 2026, at the Lungi airport in Port Loko District. Authorities allege the defendant transported the illicit substance from a local hotel to the airport terminal with the intent to export the drugs from Sierra Leone. The court heard that Gueya arrived in the country via Air Sénégal, transiting through The Gambia. She was intercepted at a security screening point by Detective Inspector Hindolo Bundu Kamanda after a search of her luggage revealed a white powdery substance, later confirmed to be cocaine. Entering her plea through a French interpreter, Gueya pleaded not guilty to all counts. Defense counsel M.K. Dauda is representing the accused. Prosecutor N. Jalloh requested a continuance to secure witness testimony for the trial. Justice Ngagba granted the application and adjourned the matter until June 17, 2026.

Driver Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Stealing Diesel Generator Nicolas Johnson, a driver in Freetown, was sentenced to 40 months in prison on Tuesday after admitting to stealing a valuable diesel generator from a private property, with the court emphasizing the importance of deterring such crimes. Johnson was facing one count charge of larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916. The prosecution stated that the incident occurred on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at No. 23 Main Motor Road, Congo Cross, Freetown. Johnson is accused of unlawfully taking a 5,000 KVA diesel generator valued at Le 74,000 from the property of Ernestina Naomi Kai Abbey. According to court records, the complainant’s property was taken without her consent, prompting an investigation that led to Johnson’s arrest and subsequent charging. During the hearing, Johnson admitted to the theft, and the court found his plea of guilty to be valid. Magistrate Gbloh noted that the evidence presented clearly proved the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. She highlighted that Johnson’s deliberate act of unlawfully entering the complainant’s premises and stealing a valuable asset demonstrated a clear intention to permanently deprive the owner of her property. The magistrate emphasized that such acts undermine community safety and must be firmly condemned. She pointed out that theft-related crimes continue to threaten citizens and businesses in Sierra Leone, and sentencing must serve both punitive and deterrent purposes. Considering the defendant’s voluntary confession and the nature of the offence, Magistrate Gbloh sentenced Nicolas Johnson to 40 months in prison. The court also ordered the restitution of the stolen generator, a green 5,000W diesel unit, to the rightful owner, Ernestina Naomi Kai Abbey.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has concluded the Southern Region leg of its nationwide Meet the People Tour with traditional and local authorities, engaging Paramount Chiefs across Moyamba, Bonthe, Pujehun, and Bo Districts from 2nd to 5th June 2026. The engagement focused on strengthening integrity, accountability, and collaboration with traditional leaders in the fight against corruption at the grassroots level. Speaking during the tour, ACC Deputy Commissioner Augustine Foday Ngobie highlighted the importance of involving chieftaincy institutions in anti-corruption efforts, noting existing gaps in awareness around legal obligations such as gifts, conflict of interest, assets declaration, and corruption reporting. ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala emphasized the need to align anti-corruption laws with customary practices, clarifying that while gift-giving is not prohibited, it becomes an issue when it creates a conflict of interest. He further stated that gifts above Le5,000 must be declared, and stressed that assets declaration serves as a safeguard for transparency and protection of public officials. Paramount Chiefs welcomed the initiative, expressed appreciation for the clarifications provided, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts within their communities. They also pledged continued cooperation in promoting accountability and reporting corruption. The tour was chaired by ACC Coordinator of Operations Patrick Sandi, who thanked participants for their engagement and encouraged sustained collaboration with the Commission. The ACC said the successful completion of the Southern Region tour marks another milestone in its public education and prevention strategy, following earlier engagements in the Eastern and North-Eastern Regions, and continues to strengthen partnerships with traditional authorities in the fight against corruption.

Cricket Coach Peter Kanyako Completes ICC Level 2 Coach Tutor Course Sierra Leonean cricket coach Peter Kanyako has successfully completed the ICC Level 2 Coach Tutor Course held in Accra, Ghana. Kanyako, who was selected by Cricket Sierra Leone (CSL) to take part in the programme, joined participants from across Africa in the three-day training aimed at strengthening the capacity of cricket coaches on the continent. Successful candidates will be licensed to train and certify coaches in their respective countries, a development expected to accelerate the growth of the sport. The achievement underscores Cricket Sierra Leone’s continued focus on education, training, and capacity building under the leadership of Board Chairman Francis Trevor Samura. The current administration has prioritized empowering young professionals with the technical skills required to advance cricket at all levels nationwide. Over the past four years, Cricket Sierra Leone has trained and certified more than 1,025 individuals through various high-performance and development programmes. The organisation currently has 54 ICC Level 1 coaches, 28 ICC Level 2 coaches, 267 trained Criiio facilitators, and over 100 umpires. In addition, Cricket Sierra Leone is implementing an ambitious programme to train 1,000 Physical and Health Education (PHE) teachers to deliver entry-level cricket across schools in the country. The initiative forms part of the ICC Legacy Programme for Africa, which aims to equip 21,000 teachers across the continent ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled to be hosted in Africa in 2027. Peter Kanyako’s successful completion of the ICC Level 2 Coach Tutor Course marks another milestone for Sierra Leone cricket, as the country continues to invest in developing qualified coaches and strengthening the foundation of the sport nationwide.

The Office of the First Lady has clarified its position on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Bondo initiation, stating that it is not an anti-FGM institution and does not support forceful or underage practices. Speaking on Truth Media, the Spokesperson of the Office of the First Lady, Wusu Dadida Jalloh, said the First Lady’s position distinguishes between cultural practices and any form of coercion or harm involving minors. He explained that the Office continues to engage with grassroots women and cultural groups across Sierra Leone, particularly within traditional spaces where the Bondo society remains active. “The Office of the First Lady is not an anti-FGM institution… It also has nothing to do with forceful FGM,” he stated. Jalloh clarified that the First Lady’s engagements are centered on cultural appreciation and social cohesion, while firmly rejecting any form of forced initiation or practices involving underage girls. He stressed that the Office is not aligned with anti-FGM activism, noting that its role is focused on national unity and engagement with diverse cultural groups. “The First Lady is not against the initiation in the society, but it is the forceful FGM taking underage girls that is the concern,” he explained. He further addressed recent concerns regarding an event in Kenema, insisting that it should not be interpreted as endorsement of forced FGM and stating that no minors were involved. “What happened in Kenema recently wasn’t the First Lady promoting the forceful aspect of FGM. There was no child below 18 in that gathering,” he said. Jalloh emphasized that the First Lady has a responsibility to engage with different groups across the country as part of her broader mandate to promote social cohesion. “The First Lady has a moral obligation to attend events organised by citizens to promote social cohesion,” he noted. He concluded that the ongoing national conversation should focus on protecting girls from forced or underage initiation, while also acknowledging the cultural significance of Bondo within Sierra Leonean society. The clarification comes amid continuing public debate around FGM, women’s rights, cultural practices, and advocacy positions in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, has called for the establishment of an African Digital Investment Fund to accelerate the continent’s transition toward inclusive, technology-driven education systems. He made the proposal while representing Sierra Leone at the 18th Ministerial Round Table on Digital Education, Training and Skills Development and the 19th eLearning Africa Conference, held in Accra, Ghana, from June 3–5, 2026. The high-level gathering, co-hosted by eLearning Africa and the Government of Ghana, brought together more than 2,500 participants from 82 countries, including education ministers, university leaders, policymakers, researchers, and technology innovators. Discussions centered on strengthening Africa’s education systems through digital transformation under the theme: “Africa’s Time, Africa’s Terms: Learning for Sovereignty, Strength and Solidarity.” The conference served as a continental policy platform for advancing strategies to improve digital learning infrastructure, skills development, and education financing across Africa. Sierra Leone’s participation was highlighted as part of growing international recognition of the country’s education reforms, particularly the Free Quality School Education programme and ongoing digital transformation initiatives within technical, vocational, and higher education institutions. The country’s education agenda, led by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has also gained global attention following his recognition as a Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Champion for Sustainable Education Financing. Delivering a keynote address during a session on “Infrastructure and Finance for Digital Learning and Skills Development,” Deputy Minister Aziz-Kamara outlined Sierra Leone’s progress in integrating digital tools across universities and TVET institutions. He emphasized that digital transformation should be viewed not merely as technological adoption, but as a strategic pathway toward digital sovereignty, equitable access to education, and national resilience. He further stressed the need to align Africa’s education systems with emerging labour market demands, particularly in artificial intelligence, STEM disciplines, and digital services. Aziz-Kamara also called for the establishment of dedicated continental and national digital investment funds to support infrastructure development, digital learning platforms, educational content production, and continuous training for educators and administrators. He noted that such financing mechanisms are critical to bridging the digital divide and improving youth employability across the continent. Ghana’s Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, also addressed the conference, urging stronger intra-African collaboration in building resilient and future-ready education systems. He called on African countries to align national strategies with continental frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034). International education experts also contributed to the discussions, including former UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini, who underscored the importance of innovation-driven learning systems and global partnerships. A key highlight of the conference was the closing plenary debate, which focused on the urgent need to modernize African education systems in line with labour market realities. Participants emphasized that future reforms must prioritize digital literacy, skills development, and artificial intelligence readiness to improve youth employment outcomes. As the conference concluded in Accra, delegates reached a broad consensus that Africa’s education transformation will depend not only on policy ambition, but also on sustained investment, regional cooperation, and strong financial commitments to digital learning infrastructure.

Human rights advocates, legal experts, and survivors are intensifying calls for greater legal clarity regarding the status of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone. Despite years of national debate and sustained pressure from international human rights organizations, campaigners argue that uncertainty remains over the existence and scope of laws specifically addressing the practice. Locally associated with the Bondo initiation society, FGM remains a sensitive cultural issue in Sierra Leone. However, activists maintain that the absence of clear and enforceable legal provisions leaves women and girls vulnerable to physical and psychological harm. Organizations, including the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone and various legal commentators, have repeatedly highlighted the need for stronger legal protections and clearer policy direction on the issue. Among those advocating for reform is Alimatu Dimonekene MBE, a survivor of FGM, global anti-FGM campaigner, and Chief Executive Officer of A Girl At A Time. She said she has sought clarification from successive Attorneys General since 2017 regarding the legal framework governing the practice. “Despite years of advocacy, public dialogue and international attention, survivors continue to ask a simple question: Where is the law that specifically protects women and girls from FGM?” Dimonekene said. Advocates note that Sierra Leone is a signatory to several international human rights instruments, including the Maputo Protocol and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, both of which discourage harmful traditional practices affecting women and children. Campaigners further argue that while existing laws relating to bodily harm may provide some legal remedies, they are rarely invoked in cases involving FGM, creating what they describe as a gap in protection and enforcement. As pressure grows on policymakers, advocacy groups continue to call on Parliament and relevant state institutions to provide clear legal guidance and strengthen protections for women and girls. They maintain that meaningful progress in safeguarding the rights of girls and women will require clear, enforceable measures that directly address the practice and ensure accountability for violations.

The Head of Media and Marketing at the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Ibrahim Kamara (IBK), has confirmed that newly appointed Leone Stars Head Coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa earns a monthly salary of US$10,000. He also provided details on the coach’s three-year contract, recruitment process, government funding structure, and ongoing selection of local technical staff. Speaking during a live interview on Truth Media hosted by journalist Amadu Lambrana Bah, IBK responded to public debate over coaching salaries and transparency in football administration. He dismissed claims that the coach earns US$25,000 monthly, stating the figure is incorrect, and clarified that former coach Mohamed Kallon received US$15,000 per month. He added that Kallon had no formal contract with the SLFA, National Sports Authority (NSA), or Ministry of Sports, with payments instead processed through government financial requests. IBK confirmed that Didier Gomes Da Rosa has signed a three-year contract, with a key mandate to qualify Sierra Leone for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), aimed at strengthening long-term competitiveness. He emphasized that the Government of Sierra Leone remains responsible for funding the national team through the Ministry of Sports and NSA, covering salaries, player allowances, and operational costs during competitions. On contractual benefits, IBK noted that the foreign coach is entitled to additional provisions, in line with standard international practice, including support for his work while periodically based in Sierra Leone for team development and player scouting. He further revealed that the recruitment process involved the SLFA, Ministry of Sports, and NSA, with representatives participating in interviews, selection, and the coach’s unveiling in Bo. Regarding the technical team, IBK said three Sierra Leonean coaches are among 79 applicants under consideration for assistant roles. Former Leone Stars coach Mohamed Kallon is also among the local applicants, though final appointments are yet to be announced. On player welfare, he confirmed that Leone Stars players received their allowances before recent international friendlies, stating that payments were made as scheduled and players were satisfied. The disclosures have intensified ongoing discussions about transparency and accountability in Sierra Leone football, particularly around salary structures, recruitment procedures, and financial management. As the Leone Stars prepare for upcoming fixtures under the new coach, calls for greater openness in football governance continue to grow among stakeholders.

Liberia’s national football team, the Lone Star, is set to return to action tonight as they take on regional rivals Sierra Leone in a highly anticipated West African showdown at the SKD Sports Complex in Monrovia. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM. The encounter has sparked widespread excitement among football supporters across Liberia, with a large turnout expected at the iconic stadium as both nations renew their regional rivalry. In a major boost to fan participation, a coalition of state-owned enterprises the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), Liberia Maritime Authority, National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has partnered to make the match more accessible to the public. The institutions jointly purchased 5,000 around-the-field tickets, which will be distributed free of charge to the first 5,000 fans arriving at designated entry points. Supporters can collect their complimentary tickets at four locations: the NP Gas Station opposite the SKD Sports Complex, Conex Rehab, Conex Congo Town, and Petro Trade at the SD Cooper Road Junction. For fans seeking enhanced viewing experiences, wing seats are priced at US$5, while VIP tickets cost US$10. VVIP access, however, will remain free of charge. Organizers are encouraging a strong turnout as national pride takes centre stage, with supporters urged to come out in large numbers to back the Lone Star on home soil in what is expected to be an intense and competitive fixture.

President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Babadi Kamara, has departed Sierra Leone to attend two of the most significant events on the global football calendar—the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Summit. Kamara is expected to join football leaders, federation presidents, administrators, and stakeholders from around the world in Mexico City on June 11 for the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will kick off with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match of the historic competition. The tournament marks a new era for world football as it becomes the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, with matches hosted across Mexico, United States, and Canada. Following the opening ceremony, the SLFA President will travel to Miami to participate in the FIFA Summit, a high-level gathering of football decision-makers focused on shaping the future of the game. The summit is expected to address key issues including football development, governance reforms, youth and women’s football, infrastructure investment, capacity building, and collaboration among FIFA member associations. According to the SLFA, Kamara’s participation forms part of the association’s broader strategy to strengthen international partnerships and ensure Sierra Leone maintains an active voice within global football governance structures. Football observers believe that attendance at such forums provides valuable opportunities for national associations to engage with international stakeholders, exchange ideas, and explore development programmes that can support the growth of football at home. For Sierra Leone, the mission represents an important opportunity to enhance its visibility within international football circles while pursuing partnerships and initiatives that could contribute to the continued development of the sport across the country. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest in the competition’s history, will run from June 11 to July 19 and feature 104 matches across 16 host cities in North America, bringing together the world’s top football nations in a month-long celebration of the game.

Sierra Leone Secures MoU for 22,000 Civil Servant Housing Units In a strategic initiative to mitigate housing shortages for public sector employees, the Government of Sierra Leone has finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malian developer SO.AFRI.LOGE to construct 22,000 social housing units. The agreement, formalized in Dakar, was signed by representatives from the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning (MLHCP). This partnership establishes a structured framework for the planning, financing, and execution of the residential project. A key component of the initiative involves the implementation of a specialized mortgage mechanism, designed to ensure affordability and accessibility for civil servants. This project represents a pivotal advancement in government efforts to bolster workforce welfare by facilitating long-term homeownership.

Two Larceny and Fraud Cases Committed to High Court for Trial Magistrate Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 has committed Fatmata Marah, also known as Evergreen, to the High Court to stand trial on charges of larceny and fraudulent conversion. Marah is accused under the Larceny Act of 1916 of stealing NLe 225,900 from a Rokel Commercial Bank account on May 12, 2023. Additionally, she faces allegations of misappropriating textiles and accessories valued at NLe 130,184, which were entrusted to her for delivery between June and September 2024. Having determined that a prima facie case exists, the magistrate has transferred the proceedings to the High Court; the defendant remains on bail. In a separate matter, Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 has committed 31-year-old mason Santigie Sesay to the High Court for trial on charges of larceny in a dwelling house. Sesay is alleged to have broken into the residence of Mariama Bangura in Upper George Brook Dwarzark on November 7, 2026, and stolen a Samsung A-13 mobile phone and an Apple iPad, with a combined value of Le 9,000. While Sesay admitted to the theft of Le 60, he denied taking the electronic devices. Pursuant to the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, Magistrate Fornah ruled that the evidence warrants a High Court trial. Sesay was granted bail set at Le 5,000, contingent upon providing a suitable surety and Deputy Assistant Registrar approval.