Freetown, 7th April, 2026 – President Julius Maada Bio has directed the establishment of an Independent Investigation Committee to probe allegations of wrongdoing at the Sierra Leone Law School, following mounting concerns about impropriety within the institution.
The directive came after a meeting on March 31 between the President, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, who chairs the Council of Legal Education, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. Discussions centered on allegations circulating in the public domain that threaten the credibility of the Law School and the integrity of the wider legal profession.
Expressing deep concern, President Bio emphasized the need for a fair and impartial inquiry to restore public confidence. He noted that as a subvented institution, the Law School must uphold accountability and transparency in the administration of legal education.
The five-member committee will be chaired by former Attorney General Dr. Priscilla Schwartz, with members including public sector expert Mariama Anthony-Williams, educator Elizabeth Kamara of Fourah Bay College, legal practitioner Nicky Spencer-Coker, and Victor I. Lansana, Secretary of the General Legal Council.
The committee’s mandate includes investigating allegations of misconduct, reviewing governance structures, and identifying systemic weaknesses. It is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within eight weeks.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission has suspended its ongoing investigation into the Law School to avoid parallel processes, pending the committee’s report.
