SUBVERSION
19 Arrested, Manhunt Continues
By: Christian Conteh
In a press briefing held in Freetown, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) announced the apprehension of a total of 19 individuals, marking a significant step in the investigation of an alleged attempt to subvert the state.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu addressed the media on Tuesday, revealing that multiple other individuals suspected of being involved in the purported plot were currently evading authorities.
At the heart of this unfolding situation are both middle-level military officers and active police personnel. Of those detained, eight are middle-level military officers holding ranks ranging from Lieutenant to Major, while an additional six are non-commissioned officers.
Shockingly, two members of the Sierra Leone Police – a sub-inspector and a constable – are among those under custody. Additionally, two civilians have been apprehended as well, according to the IGP.
“Efforts to bring those at large into custody remain ongoing,” stated Mr. Sellu during the press briefing, hosted within the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Freetown. He further disclosed that this pursuit extended to five military officers, including two middle-level officers, and three non-commissioned officers. Moreover, three police officers, including a sub-inspector, were being sought by authorities.
The SLP had initially revealed their investigation into the alleged plot in a statement released the prior week. However, at that point, neither the number of arrests nor the identity of the individuals in question had been disclosed. IGP Sellu refrained from divulging specific details about the arrested suspects during Tuesday’s press conference. Nonetheless, reports from Liberian media sources indicated that a former senior officer within the Sierra Leone Police was detained in Liberia, with extradition proceedings reportedly initiated at the request of the Sierra Leone government.
According to a report from the Liberian daily, FrontPageAfrica, the detained individual was identified as Mohamed Yetay Yetay Turay, a former Chief Superintendent of Police. The publication cited a relative of the suspect, claiming that the family had encountered difficulties in accessing him during detention.
Unnamed sources from within the Liberian law enforcement community reportedly confirmed the extradition request made by the Sierra Leone government.
Though the IGP did not explicitly mention Turay’s name, he did confirm that a former Chief Superintendent of Police was currently in custody as of Tuesday morning. While specific details regarding the nature of the alleged offences remained undisclosed, Sellu did emphasize that the overarching intention of the suspects was to effect governmental change.
In an endeavour to ensure the apprehension of individuals still at large, the Sierra Leone Police is collaborating with neighbouring countries and international partners, primarily through the International Police Organization (Interpol). The strengthening of border security measures is also underway to prevent unauthorized cross-border movements.
IGP Sellu concluded by asserting, “Regardless of the location, as long as the country falls under Interpol’s jurisdiction, we will secure your arrest.”
As Sierra Leone confronts the complexities of this alleged subversion plot, the nation’s resolve and determination to maintain its stability and security stand as unwavering testaments to its enduring spirit.
