Freetown, Sierra Leone – December 30, 2025: Sheikh Abu Bakarr Kamara, a well-known Muslim scholar, has been released by Sierra Leone Police after spending a night in detention at the Bo Police Division in southern Bo City.
He was subsequently transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in the capital Freetown, where he was questioned before being handed over to his lawyers and freed.
The detention stemmed from a viral video sermon in which Sheikh Kamara warned Muslims against participating in Christmas celebrations, stating that those who do so – including accepting gifts from Christians or even eating “Christmas rice” – commit a sin and risk eternal damnation in hell.
The clip, which circulated widely on social media during the holiday season, ignited fierce debate in a nation renowned for its religious harmony.
Sierra Leone, where Muslims comprise about 78% of the population alongside a significant Christian minority, prides itself on interfaith tolerance. Both Christian and Muslim holidays are national observances, and mixed-faith families often share festivities peacefully. Critics, including former minister Sylvia Blyden and some fellow Muslim scholars, argued the remarks threatened this coexistence, with calls for authorities to intervene to prevent division.
Prior to his arrest, Sheikh Kamara issued a public apology in an interview, expressing regret for any offense caused by what he described as misrepresented words. He apologized to President Julius Maada Bio and the nation, reaffirming his commitment to unity and clarifying he intended no harm.
No charges have been filed, and the incident underscores ongoing efforts to balance religious expression with national peace in Sierra Leone.
