By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, 30 March 2026: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has opened a formal investigation into allegations of misconduct at the Sierra Leone Law School, following a complaint lodged by the Council of Legal Education against the institution’s Director, Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura.
The complaint, submitted after an emergency meeting of the Council, accuses Dr. Bangura of fraud, unauthorized admissions, academic malpractice, procurement violations, and misconduct. The Council described the situation as “extensive irregularities” that threaten the integrity of Sierra Leone’s premier legal training institution.
Allegations of Misconduct
According to the Council, the allegations include:
- Unauthorized Admissions & Financial Irregularities – admitting students without approval, collecting money outside lawful processes, and granting access to unauthorized persons.
- Procurement Violations – signing binding contracts for construction projects 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 instructions against it.
- Sexual Harassment Allegations – accusations of harassment of students, previously investigated by the Council.
Council Resolutions
In response, the Council resolved to:
- Accept Dr. Bangura’s resignation, effective 30 June 2026.
- Place him on immediate leave, suspending all official functions.
- Require his cooperation with investigations and submission of 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.
ACC’s Position
The ACC confirmed it has commenced investigations into the matter and expects to conclude within a month, with the cooperation of all parties. The Commission urged stakeholders to support the process and reaffirmed its commitment to curbing corruption in Sierra Leone’s public sector.
Commitment to Integrity
The Council of Legal Education pledged to provide the ACC with all supporting documentation, including admissions records, procurement reports, and financial statements. It emphasized transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law, urging the public to allow the independent review and ACC process to proceed without interference.
Dr. Bangura has denied the allegations.