By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone – A coalition of civil society groups is calling for the immediate resignation or suspension of Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy, Minister of Works and Public Assets, following serious allegations of fraudulent conduct uncovered in a judicial investigation.
The demands stem from an April 2, 2025, report by a special committee led by Justices Glenna Thompson, Alhadi J.A., and Manfred Sesay J.A. The report found credible evidence linking Dr. Sandy to a fraudulent scheme involving a fictitious divorce certificate.
Judicial Findings Against Minister Sandy
According to the investigation, Dr. Sandy knowingly relied on a fake Decree Absolute to secure a divorce without filing a formal petition or participating in lawful court proceedings. The report further revealed that he engaged an unqualified individual, Magnus Cole, to facilitate the fraud, bypassing legal protocols.
The committee described Dr. Sandy’s testimony as inconsistent and implausible, concluding that he was an “unimpressive and unreliable” witness who displayed a “cavalier approach and lack of respect for the rule of law.”
The report explicitly named him as an active participant in the fraudulent scheme and recommended his referral to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for further investigation.
In response, leading civil society organizations have urged President Julius Maada Bio to suspend Dr. Sandy should he fail to resign voluntarily.
They warned that his continued tenure threatens public trust in government and the judiciary, particularly in the lead-up to critical democratic processes.
“The integrity of public office must be safeguarded,” the coalition declared, cautioning that allowing Dr. Sandy to remain in office amid ongoing investigations could set a dangerous precedent.
The civil society groups also echoed the committee’s call for a systemic judicial review, demanding swift accountability for all individuals implicated in the scandal—regardless of status.
“We stand united in demanding accountability and justice,” the statement concluded, pledging to monitor the situation closely to ensure the rule of law is upheld.
Coalition Members, include Campaign for Good Governance (CGG); Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN);
Citizens Barray; Freedom Hub; Institute for Governance Reform (IGR); Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice; and Lawyers Society.