By Sallieu S. Kanu
The Council of Legal Education has formally lodged a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura, Director of the Sierra Leone Law School, citing allegations of fraud, unauthorized admissions, academic malpractice, and misconduct.
The decision followed an emergency meeting of the Council, which documented what it described as “extensive irregularities” threatening the integrity of the country’s premier legal training institution. The Council has accepted Dr. Bangura’s resignation, effective June 30, 2026, and directed him to proceed on immediate leave while investigations continue.
Allegations of Misconduct
The Council outlined several categories of misconduct, including:
- Unauthorized Admissions & Financial Irregularities – admitting students without approval, collecting monies outside lawful processes, and granting virtual class access to unauthorized persons.
- Procurement Violations – signing binding contracts for the Law School’s construction project without Council authorization.
- Unlawful Staff Appointments – making appointments in defiance of statutory provisions.
- Academic Malpractice – manipulating records, passing failing students, authorizing unapproved online exams, and inflating grades.
- Unauthorized Loan – contracting a loan with a commercial bank despite explicit Council instructions against it.
- Sexual Harassment Allegations – accusations of harassment of students, which had previously prompted a Council investigation.
Key Resolutions
The Council resolved to:
- Accept Dr. Bangura’s resignation effective June 30, 2026.
- Place him on immediate leave, suspending all official functions.
- Require his cooperation with investigations and submission of full admissions and procurement records.
- Commission an independent review of admissions and construction practices.
- Appoint interim leadership to manage the Law School pending a permanent replacement.
Commitment to Integrity
The Council pledged to provide the ACC with all supporting documentation, including admissions records, procurement reports, and financial statements. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, urging stakeholders to allow the independent review and ACC process to proceed without interference.
Dr. Bangura has denied allegations.