By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, D.S
A viral video showing uniformed Sierra Leonean police officers and a civilian allegedly collecting money from commercial drivers has ignited widespread public outrage. The footage, circulating on social media, captures several officers on duty in the rain alongside a civilian who appears to solicit and receive cash from drivers on a busy street in Freetown.
This incident has reignited long-standing complaints about police officers routinely demanding payments from commercial drivers—a practice locally referred to as “booking.” Many citizens assert that this behavior has severely undermined trust in law enforcement, alleging that the collected money is often shared with superiors.
The controversy arises amid ongoing corruption allegations within the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). Reports from both international and local watchdogs, including Afrobarometer, have consistently highlighted issues of bribery, extortion, and abuse of power, particularly during traffic stops. According to Afrobarometer’s 2021-2023 survey, titled “Law Enforcers or Law Breakers?”, Sierra Leone ranks among the highest in police bribery rates, with 72% of respondents reporting demands for bribes when seeking police assistance—significantly above the continental average of 36%.
In response to the uproar, Commissioner Abdul Moijue, Director of Traffic Management and Road Safety, issued a stern warning during a police press briefing in January 2025.
“We do not send officers into the streets to collect money. Their duty is traffic control and law enforcement,” Moijue stated. He urged the public to report any misconduct with evidence, such as videos or photos, to the Complaints, Discipline, and Internal Investigations Department (CDIID).
Moijue emphasized that offenders would face strict disciplinary action under the 2001 Police Disciplinary Regulations. His statement comes in light of mounting complaints from motorists regarding alleged extortion by traffic officers.
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