The Sierra Leone Police Force has released an investigative report alleging that Abdulrahman Sesay, a teacher from Portee Wellington in Freetown, was involved in the August 10, 2022 violent protests and later escaped from the Male Correctional Centre following the November 2023 prison break.
According to the police report, a case and enquiry file was opened on November 27, 2023, at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Pademba Road, Freetown, over allegations of incitement, riotous conduct and disorderly behaviour against Sesay.
The report stated that Sesay was among youths allegedly involved in demonstrations that took place in parts of Freetown on August 10, 2022, during which protesters marched through communities including Kissy Road, Abacha Street, Portee, Wellington, Calaba Town and Siaka Stevens Street.
Police alleged that some protesters engaged in violent acts, including throwing stones and bottles, burning tyres, obstructing roads and chanting slogans calling for the removal of President Julius Maada Bio.
The report further claimed that Sesay was identified as one of the individuals who participated in the demonstrations and was subsequently declared wanted for alleged offences including conspiracy to commit a felony, incitement, divulging information, riotous conduct and disorderly behaviour.
Police investigations also alleged that Portee community served as a meeting point where some youths shared audio messages circulated through WhatsApp by a Sierra Leonean based in the Netherlands, which criticised the government over issues including alleged human rights violations, inflation, rising commodity prices, fuel costs and freedom of expression.
The police report stated that after the August 10 protests, security personnel began searching for individuals suspected of involvement, adding that Sesay allegedly went into hiding before he was later arrested, investigated and charged to court.
However, following the November 26, 2023 incident at the Wilberforce Military Barracks and Pademba Road Correctional Centre, where armed men attacked security facilities and freed inmates, police said Sesay was no longer found among those in custody.
The report alleged that Sesay escaped from the correctional facility during the incident and has since been declared wanted by the police for alleged prison escape. It stated that his photographs were displayed at CID Headquarters in Freetown, while members of the public were encouraged to provide information that could assist in locating him.
The police also said a reward was offered for credible information leading to his arrest.
In its findings, the report stated that intelligence gathered suggested the August 10 protests were politically motivated, allegedly involving members of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC). However, it noted that some witnesses described the matter as political rather than criminal.
The Sierra Leone Police described the case as serious and said investigations into the identity and affiliations of individuals involved in the protests and subsequent events were continuing.
