AYV News, September 25, 2025
The newly appointed Ombudsman, Emmanuel Sahr TondonehEsq., has paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess, Kingtom Police Barracks.
The visit, according to Ombudsman Tondoneh, was aimed at familiarising himself with the Police Chief and the Executive Management Board of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), while deepening institutional ties and laying the groundwork for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would foster a stronger working relationship.
He highlighted the importance of training in tackling maladministration and injustice in line with the mandate of the Ombudsman’s Office. He further called for increased collaboration, proposing the establishment of a liaison officer to ensure smooth and effective communication between the two institutions. “My job is not to question the work of the police,” Tondoneh emphasised, while commending the SLP for its efforts in upholding discipline and accountability.
Responding, IGP Sellu welcomed the Ombudsman and his team, stressing that the SLP maintains a strong disciplinary framework under Rule 47, which governs the conduct of police personnel in safeguarding the image of the institution. He assured that disciplinary actions against defaulting officers always follow due process, even as the SLP’s disciplinary regulations are currently under review.
While noting that some complaints lodged against police officers may be malicious, the Police Chief encouraged genuine grievances to be addressed through proper channels. He announced that the Director of Professional Standards, Mr Francis Moses Towah, would serve as a liaison officer between the Ombudsman’s Office and the SLP to ensure the effective handling of police-related matters.
IGP Sellu reaffirmed the commitment of the Sierra Leone Police to building a collaborative working relationship with the Office of the Ombudsman for the benefit of the public.
