AYV News, January 7, 2026
Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has opened investigations at the country’s Immigration Department on allegations of the issuance of the country’s diplomatic and service passports to individuals who are not required to hold them.
Reports indicate significant ongoing issues with the alleged misuse and illegal sale of Sierra Leonean diplomatic and ordinary passports, with several high-profile investigations currently underway. This has been a long-standing concern for the nation’s security and international reputation.
Multiple reports, primarily in late 2025, suggest that individuals linked to international drug trafficking networks, including notorious Dutch drug lord Jos Leijdekkers (alias “Omar Sheriff”) and his associate Abdullah Alp Üstün, allegedly acquired and used Sierra Leonean diplomatic passports.
The Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID), under direction from President Julius Maada Bio, launched a thorough investigation into these allegations in October 2025. The goal is to determine how the individuals obtained the passports, verify authenticity, and identify any procedural failures or misconduct.
A broader audit into the issuance and use of all diplomatic passports is also planned to ensure accountability and prevent future abuse.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy Musa Kabba, has acknowledged the issue, noting instances where ordinary citizen’s passports were falsely presented as those of senior government officials to obtain US visas. He implemented a new vetting policy to curb this abuse.
The government has stressed that protecting the integrity of the nation’s travel documents is a top priority, and any confirmed wrongdoing will result in swift disciplinary and legal action.
