Freetown, Sierra Leone – Lansana Dumbuya, the National Secretary General of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), has been released from custody following a brief detention linked to allegations of cyberbullying President Julius Maada Bio.
The development comes after Dumbuya spent one night at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Freetown, where he was held for questioning over provocative statements made during a recent party rally.
The incident stems from an APC gathering on January 31, 2026, at Attouga Mini Stadium, where Dumbuya reportedly led supporters in chanting “Maada Bio na tif man” – a Krio phrase translating to “Maada Bio is a thief man.” These remarks, deemed unsubstantiated and inflammatory by critics, prompted a summons from the CID on February 4, 2026, requiring Dumbuya to appear for investigation under Sierra Leone’s 2021 cyber security laws, which aim to combat online harassment but have been accused of targeting political dissent.
Ironically, Dumbuya, a barrister and solicitor with experience defending cyber-related cases, including a 2022 trial for former APC minister Kemoh Sesay, found himself on the receiving end of similar scrutiny.
Prior to his detention, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) had already fined the APC NLe350,000 for “incitement” based on speeches at the rally, including those by Dumbuya and actress-turned-politician Zainab Sheriff. Upon arriving at the CID around 1:00 PM on February 4, Dumbuya underwent over seven hours of interrogation before police denied bail, leading to his overnight stay in custody.
In a show of solidarity, APC Members of Parliament and party comrades staged a peaceful demonstration outside the CID facility, demanding Dumbuya’s freedom.
The opposition lawmakers escalated their response by suspending all participation in parliamentary activities until his release, describing the detention as politically motivated and a violation of democratic principles.
The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone also expressed deep concern, calling for Dumbuya’s immediate release and highlighting fears over the erosion of free speech and human rights.
Sources close to the APC confirmed to Truth Media that Dumbuya was freed after the single night in detention, though details of his bail conditions remain undisclosed.
This event unfolds against a backdrop of lingering tensions from the disputed 2023 elections, where the APC has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of President Bio’s re-election.
This remains a developing story, with potential implications for Sierra Leone’s political landscape as opposition voices continue to challenge the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
