By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), a UK-based rights advocacy organization, has raised serious concerns over ongoing police misconduct and widespread violations of detainees' rights in Sierra Leone. The findings emerged following a monitoring exercise conducted by CHRDI across five major police stations in the Western Area.

The team, led by Executive Director, Abdul Fatorma, visited the Aberdeen, Lumley, Congo Cross, Central Police Stations and CID Headquarters on 23 May 2025, engaging directly with 178 individuals in custody. The visit forms part of a broader monitoring effort that spanned from 17 April to 23 May 2025, during which CHRDI interviewed a total of 1,148 suspects.

Data gathered from the recent visit reveals the following numbers of detainees:

- CID Headquarters: 89 suspects (79 male, 8 female)


- Lumley: 39 suspects (37 male, 2 female)


- Central Police Station: 22 suspects (all male)


- Aberdeen: 11 suspects (8 male, 3 female)


- Congo Cross: 19 suspects (all male)

According to CHRDI, while the figures show a reduction in detentions at Congo Cross and Lumley and relative stability at Aberdeen, CID Headquarters continues to reflect a troubling increase in the number of detainees.

A particularly alarming case was uncovered at CID Headquarters, where one man has been held for over six months; far exceeding the legal detention limits of 72 hours to 10 days. Additionally, 15 other individuals have been awaiting legal advice for more than two weeks. The pattern of prolonged detention without charge also persists at other stations, with 20 cases at CID HQ, six at Lumley and four at Central Police.

The report also documents instances of police abuse. At Central Police Station, one suspect reported being slapped three times by officers after requesting that his statement be taken following 48 hours of detention. CHRDI emphasized that such conduct violates both Sierra Leonean law and international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Sierra Leone is a signatory. Article 10 of the ICCPR mandates the humane treatment of detainees at all times.

CHRDI also highlighted several specific and concerning cases:

- A 65-year-old woman held at CID for over eight days without charge.


- A pregnant woman reportedly detained for more than two weeks without receiving medical attention.


- 13 street beggars, including vulnerable individuals, held in police cells at Lumley without due process.


- Two suspects transferred to CID by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) for "safe custody" but left there for over two months without being taken to court.

During the recent visitation, CHRDI's advocacy efforts led to the release of 13 unlawfully detained individuals across four police stations. The organization emphasized the urgent need for better coordination within the country's criminal justice system to prevent such delays and abuses.

Executive Director, Abdul Fatorma, stated: "The lack of coordination among criminal justice stakeholders is resulting in systemic delays and unlawful detentions, which not only undermine the effectiveness of our justice system but also violate the fundamental rights of citizens. The Sierra Leone Government must act decisively to ensure that no one is held in custody beyond the time limits stipulated by our laws."

CHRDI is urging the Government of Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Police to immediately charge or release all individuals held in breach of legal detention limits, in accordance with both national legislation and international human rights standards.

The organization reaffirms its commitment to human rights monitoring and calls for urgent reforms to safeguard civil liberties, ensure accountability within law enforcement and restore public confidence in the justice system.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/chrdi-exposes-widespread-police-misconduct-unlawful-detentions-across-police-stations/