By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 5, 2026: The Secretary-General of the All People’s Congress (APC), Mr. Lansana Dumbuya Esq., has been released on bail after spending a night in custody at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). His detention followed remarks he made during the party’s recent “Mammoth Meeting” held at the Atouga Mini Stadium in Freetown on January 31, 2026.
Mr. Dumbuya was formally invited to the CID on February 3, 2026, in connection with statements deemed by authorities to be provocative and inciting. However, details of the summons have not been officially disclosed.
The arrest came shortly after the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) imposed sanctions on the APC for violations of the Political Parties Act 2022 (Act No. 25 of 2022). The Commission levied fines totaling NLe 350,000, including NLe 200,000 against Mr. Dumbuya and NLe 150,000 against APC member Zainab Sheriff. The PPRC cited breaches of Section 39 (1)(c) and Section 39 (1)(d) of the Act, noting that remarks made at the meeting were “profane, obscene, provocative, and inciting.”
In reaction to Mr. Dumbuya’s detention, Members of Parliament representing the APC announced a temporary suspension of their participation in parliamentary proceedings. The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, described the move as a principled stand in defense of democracy, due process, and the rule of law.
Hon. Kargbo emphasized that the continued absence of the Secretary-General made it difficult for the Opposition to engage meaningfully in parliamentary business. He clarified that the suspension was not intended to disrupt governance but to draw national attention to what the APC considers an unjust situation. He further stated that the Opposition would resume full participation only when Mr. Dumbuya is released and “justice is seen to be done.”