Clarification on Sierra Leone Ambassador’s Alleged House Arrest…

Claims regarding Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea being under house arrest following a cocaine scandal involving his driver have been declared false. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that only seven suitcases of drugs and $2,000 were discovered in the vehicle, contradicting earlier allegations of 380 kilograms of cocaine. The ambassador is currently in Sierra Leone, not under house arrest as reported.

On January 13, 2025, Guinea’s government alerted Sierra Leone about the seizure of a vehicle belonging to its embassy in Conakry. The vehicle’s driver and another individual were arrested under suspicion of possessing substances presumed to be cocaine. This incident has raised significant concern within both countries, especially after a Facebook post by the Gleaner newspaper claimed that the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea was under house arrest.

The Gleaner alleged on January 18, 2025, that Ambassador Alimamy Hassan Bangura was placed under house arrest due to the cocaine scandal involving his driver, who allegedly had over 380 kilograms of cocaine and $100,000 in cash in the ambassador’s utility vehicle. This claim has led to widespread shock and calls for transparency among Sierra Leoneans, spurring discussions across various media platforms.

In response, DUBAWA sought to verify the claims surrounding the incident, particularly regarding the volume of drugs, the status of the ambassador, and the alleged cash amount. DUBAWA reached out for evidence concerning the alleged drug scandal but received no response from the Gleaner newspaper regarding their claims.

On seeking clarification from Timothy Kabba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, he clarified that seven suitcases of drugs and $2,000 were found in the ambassador’s vehicle instead of the claimed quantities. He further stated that the ambassador was not under house arrest and was currently in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and thorough investigation.

Furthermore, Chernor Bah, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, affirmed the accuracy of the government’s narrative. He confirmed a press conference was held to clarify the situation, branding the Gleaner’s allegations as unfounded, and encouraging the public to remain calm as the government handled the developments.

The cocaine scandal currently under investigation involves the Sierra Leonean ambassador’s vehicle in Guinea, igniting significant controversy. The incident initially surfaced when a driver was arrested with a large quantity of cocaine. The ensuing media coverage, particularly by the Gleaner, has led to public outcry in Sierra Leone regarding ambassadorial accountability and international reputation, prompting official statements and clarification from government ministers.

DUBAWA’s investigation has revealed that while there is indeed a drug-related scandal linked to an incident involving the Sierra Leonean ambassador’s vehicle, there is no substantiated evidence supporting the claim that the ambassador is under house arrest. The allegations of the quantity of cocaine and the cash amount in question have also been proven inaccurate. The government of Sierra Leone is actively working to address the situation in collaboration with Guinean authorities.

Original Source: dubawa.org