Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a ongoing legal battle drawing attention to issues of free speech and political tensions, the Magistrate Court in Freetown adjourned the case against Zainab Sheriff, a prominent All People’s Congress (APC) aspirant and model, to Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
The adjournment came during a hearing on February 26, where the prosecution attempted to open its case but faced objections from the defense over procedural issues.
Sheriff, who has been charged with incitement and threatening language under Sierra Leone’s criminal laws, pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on February 23 at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1.
The charges stem from alleged remarks she made, including urging followers to “follow the light,” which authorities interpreted as incitement. She was declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police earlier in February for these offenses, leading to a high-profile manhunt. Sheriff was arrested on February 20 at LOR Gym in Freetown, a location she reportedly frequented for training sessions, just six days after the warrant was issued. The police notice described her as a Sierra Leonean adult and model by occupation, with her address in Freetown.
During the February 26 hearing in the case titled Inspector General of Police v. Zainab Sheriff, the prosecution called its first witness, Inspector Turay from the Cyber Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), signaling a potential cyber-related element to the allegations, possibly involving online dissemination of the statements. However, the defense immediately objected, arguing that the prosecution’s case file was only served in court that day, depriving them of adequate time to review the materials and prepare. Defense counsel emphasized the need for proper preparation to ensure a fair trial.
In response, the prosecution maintained that service complied with the eight-day requirement under Section 98(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, and asserted that no prejudice had been caused to the defense. The defense then applied for a short adjournment and reiterated a previous bail application, indicating readiness to proceed on the earliest convenient date.
Magistrate Brima Jah, presiding over the case, declined to grant bail at this stage. In his ruling, he noted that since the defense had requested the adjournment and the court had not yet heard evidence from the prosecution’s witness, bail considerations would be deferred. This marks the second denial of bail in the case, following the initial arraignment where the prosecution was also unprepared to proceed.
Legal observers have raised concerns about bail in such cases. Under the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, bail is the default for non-capital offenses like incitement, with the burden on the state to provide compelling reasons for denial. Prominent lawyer Basita Michael, former president of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, publicly appealed for Sheriff’s release on bail ahead of the February 26 hearing, arguing that liberty should not hinge on the state’s readiness and calling for fairness during the seasons of Ramadan and Lent.
The case has sparked broader discussions on political freedoms in Sierra Leone, especially given Sheriff’s affiliation with the opposition APC. It parallels other recent cases, such as that of APC member Lansana Dumbuya, who was granted bail on similar charges while Sheriff remains in custody. Critics, including human rights advocates, have questioned whether the charges represent an overreach in policing speech, particularly in a context of heightened political rivalry.
As the matter heads to March 4, all eyes will be on whether the prosecution can advance its evidence and if bail will finally be reconsidered.
