Police Declare Hassan Conteh & Wife Wanted

According to sources within the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC), one of their loyalists, a youth leader in Kabala, Mr. Hassan Conteh, and his wife, Mrs. Hawanatu Kamara-Conteh of 6 Alie Street, Kabala, have faced repeated harassment and arrests on what they describe as trumped-up allegations from 2018 to date.

The party raised concerns that, during various periods of unrest, the government has blamed the APC and targeted its members, often detaining them under inhumane conditions without credible evidence.

In the case of Mr. Conteh, he and his wife were reportedly arrested and held in police custody for weeks without charge. Family members corroborated the APC’s claims, stating that during the 10 August 2022 protest sparked by nationwide frustration over the rising cost of living, Mr. Conteh and his wife participated in what began as a peaceful demonstration. It later turned violent following clashes with the police and army. During the unrest, both were arrested, beaten, and detained under harsh conditions, sustaining injuries to their feet and Mr. Conteh suffering additional pain in his right knee.

Sources said the couple’s health deteriorated while in custody, prompting their transfer to the Kabala Government Hospital for treatment. It was further revealed that while in the hospital, they took advantage of a moment when medical staff were diverted to an emergency involving injured police officers. Mr. and Mrs. Conteh reportedly escaped through the back door.

Family members said they learned of the escape when security personnel stormed their home searching for the couple. Since then, they claim to have lived in constant fear, alleging that security forces continue to raid their residence and threaten them with death should they be found harbouring the fugitives.

They added that ruling party youths have also issued threats to burn down their house threats they believe were encouraged by President Bio’s public declaration labelling all protesters as terrorists.

According to distressed relatives, the family home has since become a frequent target for police raids. They allege that ruling party operatives, often accompanied by armed security personnel, have repeatedly visited the premises. They say they have not seen Mr. and Mrs. Conteh since their escape but have heard rumours that they fled to the northern city of Kabala, a stronghold of the APC. They further reported that security forces have conducted operations in the area and that a prominent opposition blogger was shot dead in broad daylight. As tensions rise in Kabala, many opposition members are said to have gone into hiding.

As we go to press, the whereabouts of Mr. and Mrs. Hassan Conteh remain unknown, while their family continues to face ongoing harassment.