By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Former Presidential candidate (flagbearer) of the All Peoples Congress (APC), Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, has requested a postponement of his scheduled interview with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Cyber Crime Unit. The interview was to address allegations concerning videos and audio recordings in which he reportedly referred to himself as the “President-elect of Sierra Leone.”
The CID had formally summoned Dr. Kamara via a letter dated April 30, 2025, instructing him to appear at the Cyber Investigations Unit on May 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The summons follows the circulation of media clips that allegedly depict Dr. Kamara, along with unnamed associates, using the “President-elect” title in what investigators believe may be a politically sensitive context linked to the country’s recent post-election climate.
In a written response dated May 2, 2025, Dr. Kamara’s legal counsel, Franklyn Bai Kargbo, acknowledged receipt of the CID’s invitation but formally requested further clarification regarding the specific content and context of the allegations. The letter, addressed to the Director of the CID, emphasized the importance of transparency and procedural fairness, stating that Dr. Kamara required detailed information about the dates, venues, and precise statements referenced in the investigation.
Kargbo further informed the authorities that Dr. Kamara is currently out of Freetown attending to urgent family obligations, and thus unable to honor the May 1 appointment. The legal team proposed a rescheduling of the interview to a later date upon Dr. Kamara’s return to the capital.
“The allegations are serious and merit appropriate legal attention. However, our client believes he has not breached any law by expressing political opinions or responding to post-election events,” the letter read in part. “Dr. Kamara remains committed to cooperating fully with the authorities once the necessary information has been provided and a mutually agreeable time is set.”
The CID has yet to issue a formal public response to the request for postponement. However, sources within the police force indicated that the investigation is ongoing and falls under the mandate of the Cyber Crime Unit, which monitors digital and electronic communication for potential violations of national security and public order laws.
Political tensions have remained high in Sierra Leone following the recent general elections. Dr. Kamara was a key contender in the race, representing the main opposition APC. His references to being the “President-elect,” even if made informally or hypothetically, have triggered concern among security agencies monitoring rhetoric that could be interpreted as inflammatory or destabilizing.
Legal analysts note that while freedom of speech is constitutionally protected, statements made by prominent political figures are often subject to higher scrutiny, particularly when national unity and post-election reconciliation are at stake.
The APC has not yet issued an official party statement regarding the CID’s actions or Dr. Kamara’s legal response. Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged all parties to act responsibly and with restraint to avoid further political polarization.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches closely to see how authorities and political stakeholders will navigate the fine line between law enforcement and political expression in a tense post-election atmosphere.
