Freetown, Tuesday, 7 April 2026 — President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has directed the formation of an Independent Investigation Committee to probe serious allegations of wrongdoing and impropriety at the Sierra Leone Law School.
The decision follows a meeting held on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, between the President and the Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, who also serves as Chairman of the Council of Legal Education. The meeting also included the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the titular head of the Bar. Discussions centred on allegations circulating in the public domain regarding the institution.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Press Secretary, the President expressed deep concern over the potential damage these allegations could cause to the reputation of the Sierra Leone Law School and the broader integrity of the legal profession in the country.
He stressed that, as a sub-vented institution, the Law School requires a fair, impartial, and comprehensive investigation to restore public confidence and safeguard the administration of legal education in the public interest.
The Independent Investigation Committee will be chaired by Dr. Priscilla Schwartz, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice. Its members include:
– Ms. Mariama Anthony-Williams, Accounting and Public Sector Expert
– Ms. Elizabeth Kamara, Educator and Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor, Fourah Bay College (FBC)
A separate document detailing the full Terms of Reference and additional committee composition indicates further members:
– Ms. Nicky Spencer-Coker, Legal Practitioner — Member
– Mr. Victor I. Lansana, Secretary, General Legal Council — Member
The Committee is mandated to:
1. Investigate all allegations of wrongdoing and impropriety at the Sierra Leone Law School and provide appropriate recommendations.
2. Assess the administrative and governance structures of the institution and recommend improvements, reform, and greater accountability.
3. Identify any systemic weaknesses or failures that may have contributed to the current concerns and propose measures to ensure transparency, fairness, and professionalism.
The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has informed the President that the ongoing ACC investigation will be suspended pending the outcome of the Committee’s work. This is intended to avoid parallel processes and ensure a coherent, independent, and holistic review.
The Committee is expected to conclude its work within eight weeks and submit a full report with findings and recommendations directly to the President.
President Bio reaffirmed his firm commitment to enhancing the integrity of the legal profession and ensuring that the Sierra Leone Law School remains an institution of credibility and trust.
