Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has issued a summons to Lansana Dumbuya, the National Secretary General of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), amid accusations of cyber bullying directed at President Julius Maada Bio.
Dumbuya, a prominent lawyer and key APC official, was required to appear at CID headquarters in Freetown at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
The investigation centers on statements made by Dumbuya during a major APC rally held on January 31, 2026, at the Attouga Mini Stadium in the capital.
According to reports, Dumbuya led supporters in chants branding President Bio as a “thief,” specifically using the Krio phrase “Maada Bio na tif man,” which translates to “Maada Bio is a thief man.” These remarks have been condemned as provocative and unsubstantiated, with critics arguing they undermine national stability and respect for the presidency.
In the lead-up to the summons, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) slapped the APC with a fine of NLe350,000 last week for what it described as “incitement” stemming from speeches by Dumbuya and other party leaders during the event.
This penalty follows a pattern of regulatory actions against the APC, including a separate NLe200,000 fine imposed on the party for statements made by Dumbuya and actress-turned-politician Zainab Sheriff, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of opposition rhetoric.
Dumbuya’s comments have sparked widespread debate in Sierra Leone’s politically charged environment. The APC, which governed from 2007 to 2018 under former President Ernest Bai Koroma, has been vocal in its criticism of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) led by Bio, who secured re-election in 2023 amid controversies over electoral processes.
This isn’t the first time Dumbuya has faced backlash; in 2023, the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) distanced itself from him following controversial remarks, with citizens calling for accountability. Ironically, Dumbuya has previously served as defense counsel in cyber-related cases, including representing former APC minister Kemoh Sesay in a 2022 cyber stalking and bullying trial.
The APC has not yet released an official response to the CID summons, but party sources indicate they view it as an attempt to silence dissent.
Dumbuya himself has been a staunch advocate for the APC’s agenda, recently rallying party media to push nationwide messaging against perceived government overreach.
President Bio’s administration has emphasized cyber security laws enacted in 2021 to curb online harassment, but critics claim these are being weaponized against political foes. This case could set a precedent for how opposition voices are handled moving forward.
This is an evolving story. Further developments, including outcomes from Dumbuya’s appearance and any APC countermeasures, will be reported as they become available.
