By Joseph Momoh (D.S), Reporter
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has confirmed that it has opened an investigation into Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura, Director of the Sierra Leone Law School, following a complaint submitted by the Council of Legal Education.
In a statement, the ACC said the probe is being conducted with the full cooperation of all relevant parties and is expected to be concluded within one month. The Commission urged everyone involved to provide their support to ensure the process remains thorough and transparent.
The Council of Legal Education referred Dr. Bangura to the ACC after allegations that include financial irregularities, academic malpractice, procurement breaches, and sexual harassment claims involving students.
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 Sierra Leone’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 academic misconduct, including grade inflation and the alleged passing of students who, the Council claims, did not meet examination requirements.
The Council further alleged procurement breaches, including claims that Dr. Bangura entered construction contracts independently and secured a commercial bank loan for the institution without authorisation. In addition, it said Dr. Bangura is facing accusations of sexual harassment involving students, noting that a committee has been established to investigate the claims.
The Council said Dr. Bangura is expected to cooperate with an independent review focused on admissions and procurement practices at the Law School. It also confirmed that it has accepted his 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.” He alleged opposition from senior members of the judiciary and other figures within the legal establishment, and claimed he went into hiding for two days after accusing Chief Justice Komba Kamanda of sending individuals to harass him. He named Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) President Tuma Jabbie and Supreme Court Judge Alusine Sesay among those he said opposed his leadership.
The development has drawn concern among observers in legal and academic circles, with some warning that the case may reflect broader governance challenges in higher education institutions. Analysts also pointed to renewed public concerns about alleged “sex-for-grades” practices in tertiary education, saying that if proven, such conduct 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 and the implications for accountability and possible reforms in Sierra Leone’s tertiary education sector.
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