By Joseph Momoh, Reporter (D.S)
The Council of Legal Education has referred the Director of the Sierra Leone Law School, Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura, to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) following allegations that include financial irregularities, academic malpractice, procurement breaches, and sexual harassment claims.
In a press statement issued on Friday, March 27, 2026, the Council said an emergency meeting uncovered what it described as “extensive irregularities” that could undermine the integrity of the country’s premier legal training institution.
The Council stated that preliminary findings point to multiple alleged violations under Dr. Bangura’s leadership, including unauthorised student admissions and the collection or handling of funds outside approved procedures. It also accused him of alleged academic misconduct, such as grade inflation and the passing of students who reportedly did not meet examination requirements.
The Council further alleged breaches of procurement rules, including claims that Dr. Bangura entered into construction contracts independently and reportedly secured a commercial bank loan for the institution without authorisation. In addition to these issues, Dr. Bangura is facing allegations of sexual harassment involving students, with the Council stating that a committee has already been set up to investigate the claims.
The Council said Dr. Bangura is expected to cooperate with an independent review focusing on admissions and procurement practices at the Law School. It also indicated that interim leadership arrangements will be announced to ensure continuity in the school’s operations. The Council further confirmed that it has accepted Dr. Bangura’s resignation, effective June 30, 2026, while placing him on immediate leave and barring him from performing official duties pending investigations.
Dr. Bangura rejected the allegations and described the ACC referral as a “witch hunt,” alleging opposition from senior members of the judiciary and others within the legal establishment. He claimed he had gone into hiding for two days after accusing Chief Justice Komba Kamanda of sending individuals to harass him. He also named Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) President Tuma Jabbie and Supreme Court Judge Alusine Sesay among figures he said opposed his leadership.
The development has drawn concern in legal and academic circles, with observers warning that the case reflects broader governance challenges in higher education institutions. Analysts also pointed to renewed public concerns about alleged “sex-for-grades” practices in tertiary education, saying such conduct if proven would harm students and undermine confidence in professional training standards.
As the ACC prepares to commence formal investigations, public attention remains fixed on the outcome, seen by many as a test of accountability and potential reform in Sierra Leone’s tertiary education sector.
For more information contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
