By Abdul Conjoh
In a tale that reads like a thriller, a former inmate of Sierra Leone’s notorious Central Prison on Pademba Road has reportedly escaped and is now on the run, with authorities launching an intense manhunt to locate him. Abdul Kamara, who was held under harrowing conditions, claims to have fled the country and is seeking asylum abroad, citing fears of life imprisonment or worse if he returns to his homeland.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the escapee was among the many protesters detained in the aftermath of the August 10th 2022, demonstrations.
These protests, which called for better governance and accountability, ended in a brutal crackdown by security forces, resulting in the detention of dozens of activists and citizens accused of inciting violence and attempting to destabilize the government.
Abdul Kamara recounted his ordeal from an undisclosed location.
He described the conditions inside Pademba Road Prison as inhumane, with overcrowded cells, inadequate food, and rampant disease.
“It was a living hell,” he said. “Every day was a fight for survival, not just from the guards, but from the very environment we were forced to endure.”
Details of the daring escape are still emerging, but it is believed that Abdul Kamara managed to break free during an attempted coup that threw the prison into chaos.
Reports indicate that a small group of inmates, capitalizing on the confusion, made a dash for freedom.
While some were recaptured almost immediately, Abdul Kamara managed to slip through the net, disappearing into the night.
The escape has sparked a nationwide alert, with law enforcement agencies across the country and neighboring regions put on high alert.
The government has issued a statement condemning the escape, vowing to bring the fugitive to justice.
“We will not rest until all the inmates are back behind bars,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs said. “This escape undermines our justice system, and we will do everything in our power to rectify this situation.”
However, the escapee insists that his only crime was standing up for his beliefs.
He claims that his participation in the August 10th 2022 protests was driven by a desire to see his country move towards a more transparent and just society. “I am not a criminal,” he stated. “I was imprisoned because I dared to speak out against corruption and injustice.
Now, I am a fugitive because I dared to reclaim my freedom.”
The escapee’s journey to safety was fraught with danger.
After evading capture in Sierra Leone, he managed to cross several borders, navigating through dense forests and treacherous terrain.
With the help of sympathizers, he eventually reached a safe haven where he is now awaiting a decision on his asylum application.
Despite the physical distance from his homeland, the fear of being hunted down by authorities remains palpable. “I live every day looking over my shoulder,” he said. “But I would rather live in fear than spend another day in that prison.”
International human rights organizations have taken an interest in the case, with some calling on the Sierra Leonean government to ensure the safety and fair treatment of all political prisoners. “The situation in Sierra Leone is alarming,” said a representative of Amnesty International. “We are concerned about the treatment of protesters and activists in the country, and this escape highlights the urgent need for reform.”
As the manhunt intensifies, questions are being raised about the state of Sierra Leone’s prisons and the treatment of those who dare to challenge the status quo. For the Abdul Kamara, the fight for justice is far from over. “I may be free, but I will not be truly free until my country is free,” he declared, his voice resolute despite the uncertainty that lies ahead.
The story ofa is a powerful reminder of the lengths to which individuals will go to fight for their beliefs and freedom. It is a tale of resilience, courage, and the unyielding desire for justice in the face of overwhelming adversity. As the world watches, the fate of this fugitive remains uncertain, but his message is clear: the struggle for a better Sierra Leone is far from over. And