The Government of Sierra Leone has formally cleared 37 members of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) of any criminal investigations, in line with Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) signed between the Government and the APC on October 18, 2023. The move, facilitated by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), is part of the ongoing implementation of Resolution 4 of the Agreement for National Unity (ANU), signed on 18 October 2023 between the Government and the APC.
The announcement was made by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, following a decision taken on August 12, 2025, based on recommendations from the Resolution 4 Oversight Committee. According to the Committee’s findings, the listed individuals are not under any criminal probe and are free to resume their normal business and political activities without hindrance.
In a related development, President Julius Maada Bio granted a pardon to the last two APC members in custody, Alpha Sheriff, popularly known as “APC Sheriff,” and Amadu Saidu Fofanah. Their release marks a significant milestone in the ongoing implementation of the ANU, which aims to foster political reconciliation and national cohesion.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, Esq., confirmed that the cleared individuals include:
- Idrissa Hamid Kamara
- Insp Sullay Deen Sesay
- Victor Vandy Kamara
- Sgt Kanneh Thoronka
- Sgt Hassan Bruz Kamara
- Sgt Abubakarr Conteh
- Sheik Ibrahim Koroma (SIK)
- Rtd Captain Desmond Gebara
- Abdulai Mansaray (Rambo)
- Hassan N’Bompa Turay
- Sorie Conteh
- Alimamy Conteh
- Sheku Jalloh
- Ibrahim Jawara
- Foday Jalloh
- Ms Dankay Koroma
- Sorie Ibrahim Koroma (Street Ambassador)
- Sahr Kemokai
- Umaru Rahman (Gallon Pan)
- Mr Kumalo
- Ben Kamara
- Mohamed Bangura
- Idrissa Sesay
- Ibrahim Sulaiman Kabia
- Brima Kabia (BKT)
- Abdul Karim Kabia
- Muctarr Dawoh
- Salieu Mansaray
- Abdul Conteh
- Osman Kamara
- Lamin Sesay
- Noah Kabia
- Hon David Johnson
- Ibrahim Tarebo
- Cecelia Ngobeh
- Victor Luseni
- Sharka Gassimu
The pardon of APC Sheriff and Amadu Saidu Fofanah brings an end to their legal ordeal that began in 2023. Both men were convicted by High Court Judge, Adrian Fisher, under the National Security and Central Intelligence Act of 2023 and sentenced to five years in prison, with 22 months already served in pre-trial detention. They were the first to be convicted under the new legislation.
APC Sheriff was arrested in Bo on June 7, 2023, while campaigning alongside APC running mate, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah, and charged with operating an unlicensed security company, possessing illegal firearms and concealing weapons. Prosecutors sought a 20-year sentence, citing national security risks, but his defense, led by lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, argued for leniency.
The case was further complicated by allegations of the pair’s involvement in the November 26, 2023, alleged attempted coup and prison break, during which APC Sheriff briefly escaped from Pademba Road Prison before being recaptured in Gloucester.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr described the day as one of “mixed blessings,” celebrating the dropping of charges against the 37 APC members, many of whom had been living in exile, while also marking the third anniversary of the death of Evangelist Samson, to whom she paid tribute.
The Government has reiterated its commitment to fully implementing the Agreement for National Unity, with further actions expected as part of the ongoing reconciliation process.