16/02/2026
*APC Secretary General Court Case:* Lansana Dumbuya Remanded Without Bail as Matter Adjourned to 19 February.
The National Secretary General of the main opposition All People’s Congress, Lansana Dumbuya Esq., has once again been remanded in custody after appearing before Magistrate Court No.1 in Freetown in a high-profile case brought against him by the State.
Mr. Dumbuya is facing charges of incitement, insulting language, and conduct deemed abusive toward the President, following remarks he allegedly made during the APC’s mammoth rally held at Attouga Stadium on 30th January 2026.
The charges stem from statements in which he reportedly accused President Julius Maada Bio of electoral misconduct relating to the 2023 elections — comments the prosecution argues were capable of provoking public disorder.
Arrest and Initial Proceedings
The matter, officially titled Inspector General of Police vs. Lansana Dumbuya, was first heard on 12th February 2026 before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah.
During that initial hearing:
Three criminal counts were read against the APC scribe
He pleaded not guilty to all charges
The prosecution sought time to prepare its case
His legal team immediately applied for bail
Despite arguments that the alleged offences were non-capital and constitutionally bailable, the court ruled that the case was at a “crucial stage” and denied bail, remanding him at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road.
The case is directly linked to statements made during the APC’s massive political gathering at Attouga Stadium in late January, where Mr. Dumbuya led chants sharply critical of the President.
Following the rally:
He was invited and questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID)
The Political Parties Regulation Commission later fined the APC NLe 350,000 over related remarks
The party settled the fine before criminal proceedings commenced.
Observers note that the move from administrative sanction to criminal prosecution has intensified political debate nationwide.
Today’s Court Sitting
When the matter resumed today, 16th February 2026, the defence again sought bail.
However:
The Magistrate maintained his earlier position
Bail was refused once more
The accused remains in detention
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to 19th February 2026 for continuation of proceedings.
This means Mr. Dumbuya will remain on remand until the next hearing date.
Growing Political Attention
The continued detention of the APC Secretary General has attracted significant public and political attention across Sierra Leone.
Supporters argue that:
The remarks were within the scope of political expression
No public disorder followed the rally
Bail should be granted for non-violent offences
Legal submissions by the defence have cited constitutional protections including:
Presumption of innocence
Freedom of speech in political discourse.
Meanwhile, the prosecution maintains that the alleged comments had the potential to incite instability and undermine public order.
What Happens Next?
With the matter now adjourned to 19th February, the court is expected to:
Hear further submissions
Possibly begin prosecution evidence
Reconsider bail depending on proceedings
Until then, Lansana Dumbuya Esq. remains in custody — a development that continues to shape political discourse in the country.
We still remain APC.
