By Abdulai Fofanah
Freetown, 17th April 2026 – The Lawyers’ Society has noted, in a press release dated 16th April, 2026, that they firmly believed the comments made by Zainab Sheriff in the exercise of her right to expression and opinion should not have led to criminal prosecution, particularly in light of the fact that the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) had imposed a fine (the questionable legality of the fine notwithstanding) which was duly paid by the opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC).
The Society maintained that the freedom to express legitimate opinions is an essential component of democracy, even when those opinions may be unpopular or unpalatable. In their assessment, the sentence imposed on Zainab Sheriff for her comments appeared unnecessarily severe and could discourage citizens from voicing diverse perspectives, suggesting limited tolerance for free and honest speech and dialogue by the government.
In light of these concerns, the Lawyers’ Society urged the Chief Justice to exercise his summary review powers in line with the spirit of the provisions of Cap 17 of the Laws of Sierra Leone to acquit and discharge Zainab Sheriff, as he has done recently for cases of unfair sentencing.
Zainab Sheriff, a Sierra Leonean entertainer, model, political activist and CEO of “Wi Duti Lappa Movement, was sentenced on Tuesday, 14th April 2026, by Magistrate Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1, to four years and two months in prison after finding her guilty on two charges: incitement and using threatening language.
The Society also noted the attitude of the Court in outrightly refusing to admit Zainab Sheriff to bail throughout the summary trial was contrary to the presumption of her innocence and her right to bail as emphasised in the new Criminal Procedure Act of 2024.
