By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Prominent legal practitioner, Barrister Yada Williams Esq., has accused an officer of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Corps of soliciting a bribe of Le 250,000 from him during a routine traffic stop, instead of issuing the official fine of Le 400,000 as required by law.
According to Barrister Williams, the incident occurred in Freetown when the officer stopped his vehicle and informed him of a traffic infraction. However, rather than following due process, the officer allegedly requested an informal payment in exchange for overlooking the offence.
Speaking on the matter, Barrister Williams expressed deep disappointment, describing the alleged conduct as a reflection of the broader challenges of corruption within public institutions. He noted that such actions not only damage the credibility of law enforcement but also weaken public trust in systems meant to uphold discipline and order on the roads.
“I was shocked that an officer of the Road Safety Corps would attempt to solicit a bribe instead of applying the law,” he said. “As citizens, we expect these officers to set an example by enforcing the rules, not breaking them for personal gain.”
Barrister Williams, known for his strong advocacy for transparency and good governance, called for urgent reforms within the Road Safety Corps to curb corruption and restore professionalism. He also urged the leadership of the institution to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate disciplinary action if the allegations are proven true.
The accusation has since attracted widespread public interest, with many Sierra Leoneans expressing concern about the persistence of petty corruption among certain traffic enforcement officers. Several citizens who called in during a live discussion on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM, where the story was first reported, shared similar experiences of being asked for bribes by road safety officials.
In response, civil society groups have called for stronger oversight mechanisms and regular ethics training for officers to ensure accountability and integrity in public service. They emphasized that combating corruption requires not only punishment for offenders but also a sustained effort to build a culture of honesty and responsibility.
The leadership of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Corps is yet to issue an official statement on the allegation. However, public pressure continues to mount for a transparent investigation to determine the facts of the case and ensure that justice is served.
The incident has reignited national debate on corruption, reinforcing calls for institutional reforms and ethical leadership across all sectors of public service.
