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Claim: The Gleaner newspaper has alleged on Facebook that Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea is under house arrest following the arrest of his driver found with over 380 kilograms of cocaine and $100,000 in the Ambassador’s vehicle.
Verdict: According to Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the claim is false and lacks evidence.
Full Text
On January 13, 2025, the government of Guinea informed Sierra Leone that a vehicle belonging to its Embassy in Conakry had been impounded. The driver and another individual were arrested on suspicion of possessing substances believed to be cocaine. This incident has sparked controversy both in Sierra Leone and Guinea.
However, on January 18, 2025, the Gleaner newspaper posted on Facebook that the Sierra Leone Ambassador was under house arrest in Guinea after his driver was caught with 380 kilograms of cocaine and $100,000 in the vehicle.
The post stated, “Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea Under House Arrest Amid Cocaine Scandal. Alimamy Hassan Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, has been placed under house arrest following the arrest of his driver, who was discovered with over 380 kilograms of cocaine and $100,000 in cash in the Ambassador’s utility vehicle.”
According to sources, the cocaine may have been linked to a businessman named Alhaji Bah, as well as several high-ranking officials in Sierra Leone’s government and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority management.
The Sierra Leone government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has remained silent on the incident. Officials are reportedly working behind the scenes to address what has been described as a “disgraceful” scenario.
The post triggered widespread reactions from Sierra Leoneans, with many expressing shock and demanding transparency in the investigation. Social media and radio platforms have been filled with discussions about the scandal and its potential impact on Sierra Leone’s international reputation.
To promote truth in public discourse, DUBAWA decided to investigate the claims made by the newspaper. Among the issues for verification are:
- Whether there has been a drug-related scandal involving Sierra Leone’s ambassador to Guinea and the quantity involved
- Whether Alimamy Hassan Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea, has indeed been put under house arrest
- Whether an amount of $100,000 was found in the ambassador’s car
Verification
To ascertain the truthfulness of the newspaper’s allegations, DUBAWA contacted them to provide evidence of the claims, particularly whether or not there has been a drug-related offence and whether or not the ambassador is or was under House arrest at some point.
The newspaper has yet to respond to the questions.
DUBAWA then contacted Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who explained that seven suitcases of drugs, along with $2,000, were found in the Embassy’s utility vehicle—not 380 kilograms of cocaine or $100,000.
He also emphasised that the government is conducting a thorough investigation to determine how the vehicle became linked to illegal substances and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The minister denied that the Ambassador had been put under house arrest and said the Ambassador was in Sierra Leone. He assured the public that Sierra Leone is working closely with Guinean authorities to uncover the facts. He also stated that the government has even issued a press release stating its response to the arrest of the Embassy vehicle.
Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education, corroborated this account. In a press statement, Mr Bah stated that he and the Minister of Foreign Affairs held a press conference to clarify the situation. Minister Bah also confirmed that the Gleaner newspaper’s claims were baseless and made before the press briefing; he also urged citizens to remain calm and trust the government’s handling of the issue.
Conclusion
DUBAWA’s investigations show that there is a drug-related scandal involving the Ambassador’s vehicle, which has since been impounded. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea is under house arrest following the arrest of his driver, who was found with 380 kilograms of cocaine and $100,000, which is false.
