Magistrate Jah Slams 4 Years Jail Term On Zainab Sheriff
By Catherine Dumbuya
Sierra Leonean entertainer,Activist and opposition political figure, Zainab O Sheriff, has been sentenced to four years and two months in prison after being found guilty on two count charges of using threatening language and incitement.
Sheriff, a flag bearer aspirant of the opposition All People’s Congress party and founder of “wi duti lappa”women’s Empowerment, was charged under section 30(1)of the public order Act of 1965. The charges stemmed from remarks she made on January 31st 2026 during the APC mammoth meeting at the Brima Attouga mini stadium in Freetown. Following the circulation of her statement, the Criminal Investigations Department arrested Sheriff on February 20th 2026 and has being appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at the Magistrate Court no 1, Pademba Road all through her proceedings.
During the trials, her defence team argued for her release, noting that her expressions of regret and that Sheriff was not a flight risk. Meanwhile, the state prosecutors successfully opposed Bail. Sheriff was remanded at the female correctional center at Pademba Road prison all throughout her trial, citing a previous failure to appear and concerns that her release could undermine the proceedings. The prolonged pre-trial detention of Sheriff drew condemnation from civil society organisations, Amnesty international, advocacy groups for justice and the institute of legal Research, criticising the handling of the case. Women’s Advocacy organisations, including 50/50 groups, warned that her continued incarceration without bail served to discourage female participation in national politics.
The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki Sawyerr, also weighed in on the matter during the trial, stating that freedom of speech must be applicable to everyone and the law must be consistently applied.
Ahead of Tuesday verdict, Sheriff took to social media to state “I remain faithful and committed to the values and the country I deeply love “
During her trial the prosecution produced digital forensic evidence including videos and transcript demonstrating that anyone who rigs election has stolen the people’s vote has committed Treason and must be killed. She is also alleged to have referred to the President as a rigger.
Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah delivered the final judgment on Tuesday at Pademba Road Magistrate Court no 1, ruling that the prosecution has successfully proven its case against Sheriff beyond all reasonable doubt and that the sentences for the two charges are set to run consecutively.
This conviction brings to a close a highly controversial trial that has sparked national debate over the limits of free expression, public order laws and political dissent in Sierra Leone
Gender Activist, Naasu Fofanah, called on President Julius Maada Bio to pardon Zainab Sheriff, furthering that the “wi duti lappa”will continue to strive, cause its an advocacy group.
