Freetown, Sierra Leone – March 27, 2026 – The Council of Legal Education has formally lodged a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura, Director of the Sierra Leone Law School, citing systemic misconduct, abuse of office, and flagrant violations of the Council of Legal Education Act, 1989.
In a strongly worded press release dated March 27, 2026, the Council revealed that the decision followed an emergency meeting where members reviewed extensive irregularities that threaten the integrity of the nation’s premier legal training institution.
The Council simultaneously accepted Dr. Bangura’s resignation, effective June 30, 2026, and immediately placed him on leave, ordering a full-scale independent review of admissions and procurement processes.
Allegations of Misconduct
The Council outlined several serious categories of misconduct, supported by documentary evidence:
– Unauthorized Admissions & Financial Irregularities**: Dr. Bangura is accused of allegedly admitting students without Council approval, collecting monies from individuals not enrolled through lawful admission processes, and extending virtual class access to unauthorized persons — effectively creating a parallel, unregulated admissions scheme.
– Procurement Violations: He is accused of unilaterally proceeding with the Law School’s construction project without Council authorization, including signing binding contracts with contractors in direct contravention of established procurement regulations.
– Unlawful Staff Appointments: Appointments were reportedly made in defiance of the statutory framework of the Act.
– Academic Malpractice: The Council alleges manipulation of academic records, including passing students who failed examinations, permitting students to bypass reference exams, authorizing unapproved online reference exams, and systematically inflating grades.
– Unauthorized Loan: Despite explicit instructions from the Council that the Law School should not take loans for the building project, Dr. Bangura allegedly contracted a loan with a commercial bank on behalf of the institution.
– Sexual Harassment Allegations: Dr. Bangura has also been accused of sexual harassment of students, an allegation which the Council had previously set up a committee to investigate.
Key Resolutions
Following full deliberations, the Council resolved unanimously to:
– Accept the resignation effective June 30, 2026.
– Place Dr. Bangura on immediate leave of absence, suspending all official functions pending the resignation date.
– Require his full cooperation with the transition and ongoing investigations.
– Compel Dr. Bangura to appear before the Council to submit full lists of students admitted and financial reports on the construction project, including contractor recruitment, contract terms, funding sources, and expenditures.
– Commission an independent review of admissions and construction practices to restore institutional integrity and public trust.
– Appoint interim leadership to manage the Law School’s operations pending the permanent appointment of a new Director.
The Council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, and called on all stakeholders to allow the independent review and ACC process to proceed without interference.
It also affirmed its readiness to provide the Anti-Corruption Commission with all supporting documentation, including Council minutes, admissions records, procurement reports, and financial statements.
