Debunking the Allegations: Sierra Leone Ambassador Not Under Arrest Amid Drug Scandal

Allegations of Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea being under house arrest following a cocaine scandal have been debunked by officials. The government clarified that the vehicle involved contained drugs and a lesser cash amount than reported. Investigations are ongoing, with assurances that the Ambassador is not under arrest.

Recent allegations have surfaced regarding Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, Alimamy Hassan Bangura, which state he is under house arrest due to a cocaine scandal involving his driver. According to the Gleaner newspaper, the driver was arrested with over 380 kilograms of cocaine and $100,000 found in the Ambassador’s utility vehicle. However, this claim has been officially refuted.

On January 13, 2025, the Guinean government reported that a vehicle owned by the Sierra Leone Embassy in Conakry had been seized after the driver was implicated in drug possession. This incident has raised significant concerns and discussions within both Sierra Leone and Guinea. Subsequently, the Gleaner claimed the ambassador was under house arrest, fueling widespread reactions and demands for government transparency.

DUBAWA conducted an investigation to verify these claims. Notably, Timothy Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, clarified that only seven suitcases of drugs along with $2,000 were found, disputing the 380 kilograms of cocaine and $100,000 figure. Kabba further stated that the Ambassador was not under house arrest but was in Sierra Leone, highlighting that investigations were underway to clarify how the vehicle was associated with illegal substances.

Minister of Information, Chernor Bah, supported Kabba’s statements and confirmed there were no baseless claims prior to their public briefing. He urged citizens to remain calm while the government handles the matter carefully. Moreover, he emphasized the collaborative efforts with Guinean authorities to uncover the truth behind the incident.

In conclusion, investigations confirm that while there is a drug-related incident involving the Ambassador’s vehicle, no credible evidence supports the assertion that the Ambassador is under house arrest. The allegations made by the Gleaner have been declared false, and it appears the government will continue its examination of the circumstances surrounding the case.

The incident involving Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea has raised significant public interest and scrutiny, primarily due to the nature of the accusations and its implications for Sierra Leone’s international relations. The emerging allegations, coupled with the initial shock among citizens, have led to discussions on transparency in governance and the integrity of diplomatic personnel. The gravity of the situation necessitates a thorough investigation to uphold public trust and clarify the facts surrounding this scandal. As the controversy unfolds, it becomes crucial to establish a clear understanding of the events leading to the arrest of the driver and the subsequent claims regarding the Ambassador’s alleged house arrest. This situation has sparked significant media attention and commentary among the populace in both Sierra Leone and Guinea, prompting calls for accountability from the government and its representatives. Through official responses from government sources, attempts have been made to clear the air regarding the allegations. The confirmation from high-ranking officials showcases a commitment to addressing public concerns effectively while ensuring that the investigation is carried out with integrity.

The investigation conducted by DUBAWA reveals significant inaccuracies surrounding the claims against Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea. There is no substantial evidence indicating that the Ambassador is under house arrest or that the amounts of cocaine and cash reported by the Gleaner were accurate. Instead, the government is actively collaborating with Guinean authorities to investigate the incident fully, thereby ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence in diplomatic operations.

Original Source: dubawa.org