By Forum staff writer
Reports indicate that the National Secretary General of the All People’s Congress APC Lansana Dumbuya Esq is currently being profiled by the Criminal Investigation Department CID in preparation for possible court proceedings.
A senior source at the CID confirmed that Mr Dumbuya is expected to be formally charged following the conclusion of investigations into statements he made during a recent APC gathering held at the Atouga Mini Stadium in Freetown. The statements were delivered while addressing party supporters and have since drawn the attention of state security and regulatory institutions.
The development follows public remarks in which Mr Dumbuya accused President Dr Julius Maada Bio of manipulating the outcome of the 2023 general elections. In his address he cited reports from both local and international election observer missions to support his claims. The comments quickly generated public debate and political tension given the sensitive nature of post election discourse in the country.
Shortly after the statements were made Mr Dumbuya was invited by the CID for questioning. He later confirmed that he cooperated fully with investigators and was subsequently released on bail pending further investigations. CID officials have maintained that the inquiry is ongoing and that due process will be followed.
According to security sources the profiling of the APC Secretary General is a procedural step ahead of formal charges. While details of the specific charges have not yet been made public officials say the case relates strictly to statements deemed capable of undermining public order and national stability.
Parallel to the CID investigation the Political Parties Regulation Commission PPRC also took action against the APC. The Commission imposed a fine of Le 200 million Old Leones on the party describing the remarks made by its Secretary General as an incitement statement in violation of provisions of the Political Parties Act.
As a result of the infraction the PPRC announced the suspension of the APC from engaging in certain political activities pending compliance with the sanction. The decision added to growing political tension and raised concerns among party supporters and observers about the broader implications for political expression and opposition activity.
On Wednesday the APC confirmed that it had paid the fine in full. Following confirmation of payment the PPRC announced the lifting of the party’s suspension allowing it to resume normal political operations. Party officials said the decision to pay the fine was taken in the interest of stability and to ensure that the party remains active within the legal political space.
Despite the lifting of the suspension the CID investigation into Mr Dumbuya’s remarks remains separate from the regulatory action taken by the PPRC. Legal experts note that payment of the fine does not automatically halt criminal proceedings if investigators believe there is sufficient basis for prosecution.
The unfolding situation has sparked debate within political and civil society circles about the balance between freedom of expression accountability and the enforcement of electoral and public order laws. Supporters of the APC argue that political leaders must be allowed to speak freely while others insist that inflammatory statements should be addressed through legal means.
As the CID prepares the next steps attention remains focused on whether formal charges will be filed and how the case may affect the wider political climate. The outcome is expected to have significant implications for political discourse and the relationship between opposition parties and state institutions in Sierra Leone.
