Makeni, Sierra Leone – In a shocking revelation that has deepened public distrust in law enforcement, Sierra Leone Police have arrested one of their own officers as a key suspect in a fatal armed robbery at a local fuel station, authorities confirmed on Friday.
Police Constable 15768 Micheal Lengor Sesay is among five individuals detained in connection with the brazen attack in Makeni, which resulted in the shooting death of a fuel station attendant and the theft of a substantial amount of cash.
The incident has ignited widespread outrage among residents, highlighting potential criminal elements within the police ranks.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Allieu Jalloh, head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), investigators swiftly responded to the crime scene, where they recovered spent bullet shells. Forensic analysis traced these directly to Sesay’s service firearm. Witnesses reportedly informed authorities that the constable had provided his weapon to the armed robbers to facilitate the heist.
One of the other suspects is currently cooperating with the investigation, offering additional details that could lead to further breakthroughs.
“This arrest underscores the urgent need to root out corruption and criminal infiltration in our force,” ACP Jalloh stated during a press briefing.
The CID’s rapid action has been praised by some community leaders, though many locals express frustration over recurring issues of police misconduct.
In related developments, ACP Jalloh addressed a separate case of vigilante violence earlier this year on Kingharman Road, where 27-year-old Joshua Mansaray was fatally beaten by a mob after being wrongly accused of motorbike theft. Subsequent police probes confirmed Mansaray’s innocence. Three suspects have been apprehended in connection with the mob attack, with efforts ongoing to track down additional perpetrators.
Additionally, authorities announced charges against another officer, Constable 22322 Frederick Mukeh Moigboi, formerly assigned to the Lunsar Checkpoint. Moigboi is accused of fatally shooting a fellow police officer and a community volunteer. Investigators allege that after the killings, he replenished his ammunition and returned to the scene feigning ignorance. Security intelligence ultimately uncovered his role, leading to his arrest and court appearance.
These incidents come amid growing calls for police reforms in Sierra Leone, as citizens demand greater accountability and transparency from the force.
Investigations into all cases remain active, with officials urging the public to report suspicions through official channels rather than resorting to mob justice.
