Fresh information emerging from ongoing police investigations into the violent August 10 protests has reportedly brought the leadership and activities of the Kissy Progressive Youth Organisation (KPYO) under increased scrutiny.
The investigations, being conducted by the Sierra Leone Police, are reportedly examining the alleged roles played by individuals and youth groups in mobilising residents during the unrest that affected parts of Freetown and other parts of the country.
As part of the investigations, several executive members and associates of KPYO are reportedly in police custody and have been providing information to investigators about the organisation, its activities and its leadership structure.
Police sources indicate that information obtained from some of those detained has led investigators to focus particular attention on Ibrahim Turay, who has been identified as the founder and Director of KPYO.
According to information reportedly provided during questioning, detained KPYO members allegedly identified Turay as the individual responsible for recruiting several members of the organisation.
The questioning was reportedly conducted under the leadership of Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu.
Investigators were also reportedly provided with background information concerning Turay, including his alleged connection to Waterloo Bassa Town and his former attendance at Methodist Boys High School.
One of the detained executive members, Mohamed Sesay, reportedly gave investigators further information during a one-on-one discussion with the Inspector General of Police.
Sesay allegedly stated that Turay recruited and introduced many of the organisation’s members to KPYO.
He further alleged that Turay played a central role in mobilising residents and youths in the Jalloh Terrace area of Kissy to participate in the August 10 demonstration.
The ongoing investigation has also reportedly raised questions about Turay’s alleged political connections.
Mohamed Sesay reportedly described Turay as a supporter of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
Community members are also said to have provided statements alleging that Turay was seen campaigning in support of Aminata Gibril Sesay during the 2018 General Elections.
Aminata Gibril Sesay contested for the position of Councillor for Ward 403 in the Kissy community of Freetown.
The investigation also follows confusion surrounding the identity of an individual previously identified in reports and wanted notices as Ibrahim Turay.
Following concerns raised by members of the Kissy community, the Sierra Leone Police reportedly conducted additional inquiries and concluded that the person initially identified was not the individual being sought.
The subsequent investigations reportedly led authorities to identify another Ibrahim Turay as the person connected to KPYO and the allegations under investigation.
Other individuals reportedly mentioned during the investigations include Mary Bangura, identified as the Financial Director of KPYO; Alhaji Osman Kargbo, described as the Public Relations Director; Albert Thullah; Abdul Aziz Dumbuya; and several other associates.
Their alleged roles and activities are reportedly being examined as investigators continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the August 10 disturbances.
The August 10 protests began as anti-government demonstrations but subsequently descended into violence, resulting in the deaths of civilians and police officers and the destruction of property.
The Sierra Leone Police have continued investigations into the events, with authorities indicating that further arrests and developments could follow.
The allegations contained in the ongoing investigation have not, in themselves, established criminal liability, and any individual accused remains entitled to due process and determination through the appropriate legal process.
Police Probe Uncovers New Claims About KPYO Leadership and August 10 Protest as Attention Turns to Youth Organisation
