On the 4 April 2026 legal practitioner, journalist and activist Paul Kamara Esq was allegedly assaulted by the Sierra Leone Police at the Adonkia Police Station in the Western Rural District after he visited the station in connection with an ongoing investigation into the death of his colleague, Augustine Sensie Bangura. Kamara reported of being physically assaulted, forcibly restrained and pepper sprayed during an interaction with officers on the premises. He also alleged that his phone was confiscated by the officer and was briefly detained.
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists has strongly condemned the alleged assault describing the allegations as ”grave,” noting that if proven, the incident raises serious concerns about the use of force, professionalism, and respect for citizens’ rights. The West Africa Network of Activists and Media Defence Lawyers (WANAMDEL) has also condemned the alleged assault on one of its members, Mr Kamara Esq. and called for an independent investigation into the incident.
The Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) of the Sierra Leone Police confirmed it has opened a preliminary investigation into the allegations. Police assault against journalist, lawyers or activists has now become a regular occurrence in recent years, as Africa Young Voices (AYV) Senior Camera Operator Foday Fofanah was assaulted by armed police officers on 21 May 2025 which attracted wide condemnation and depicts how the police treat citizens sometimes come in contact with.