AYV News, February 16, 2026
Senior Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) member AlieKabba has called for the granting of bail to the detained National Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC), Lansana Dumbuya Esq., describing bail as a constitutional safeguard that must be upheld irrespective of political affiliation.
In a public statement reflecting on his own past experience with the criminal justice system, Kabba recounted his arrest in 2015 during the administration of former President Ernest Bai Koroma.
“In 2015, under the APC government of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, I was arrested in what I can only describe as a grave abuse of state power,” Kabba stated. “With the cooperation of willing hands within the system, I was denied bail and confined to Pademba Road Prison. Constitutional principles were set aside. Justice was distorted.”
He noted that at the time, SLPP supporters and some APC members, including Lawyer Alieu Iscandari, spoke out against what they perceived as injustice.
Kabba’s comments come amid the detention of APC National Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya, who is currently being held at the Male Correctional Centre at Pademba Road following charges related to statements allegedly insulting President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, among other counts.
While Kabba condemned Dumbuya’s remarks, he cautioned against allowing political emotions to influence adherence to constitutional principles.
“While condemning his actions, we must avoid the pitfalls of emotional response,” he said.
He argued that granting bail does not amount to acquittal or endorsement of the accused’s statements.
“Bail is not acquittal. Bail is not endorsement. Bail is a constitutional safeguard. It affirms due process and respect for the rule of law,” Kabba emphasised.
Kabba further stated that by virtue of his public office and national prominence, Dumbuya does not present a flight risk and should be allowed to prepare his defence while the matter proceeds through the courts.
“Let him face his day in court — as every citizen of our Republic is entitled to do,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, Kabba urged the ruling SLPP to uphold democratic maturity and constitutional order, regardless of partisan differences.
“The SLPP must always stand for constitutional order, democratic maturity, and national unity. Let us lead by example. Let us stand for principle,” he stated.
The call has sparked discussion across political and civil society circles, with some observers welcoming the appeal for consistency in the application of justice, while others stress that bail decisions ultimately rest with the judiciary based on the specific facts and legal thresholds of each case.
As court proceedings continue, attention remains focused on how the matter will unfold within the legal system, with many calling for calm and strict adherence to due process.
