By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 23, 2026: Yeabu Zainab Sheriff, a musician, model, actress, and opposition politician, was on Monday remanded at the female correctional facility by Magistrate Briama Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1. She faces allegations of incitement and threatening language following statements made at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown.
Sheriff, making her first court appearance, was arraigned on two counts: incitement contrary to law, and threatening language under Section 30(1) of the Public Order Act 1965. Police allege that on January 31, 2026, she made remarks encouraging violence against individuals accused of election rigging.
State prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay requested an adjournment, explaining he had only just received instructions to prosecute and needed time to prepare witnesses. Defense counsel M. M. Bah applied for bail, arguing that the charges were bailable and that Sheriff was neither a flight risk nor likely to interfere with witnesses. He emphasized her role as a mother of two and her fixed residence in Freetown.
Despite these submissions, Magistrate Jah refused bail, stating he wished to hear witness testimony before making a decision. The matter was adjourned to February 26, 2026, for continuation.
Zainab Sheriff is a well-known Sierra Leonean public figure who has built a career as a musician, model, actress, and opposition politician. She is a prominent member of the All People’s Congress (APC) and has been active in both entertainment and politics. Sheriff is popularly nicknamed “Mami Na Power” and serves as chairperson of the Lappa Movement, a women’s empowerment initiative that focuses on social issues and traditional values.
Professionally, she first gained recognition in the fashion and entertainment industries before transitioning into politics. In recent years, she has become more visible as an APC flagbearer aspirant, positioning herself within Sierra Leone’s political landscape