Police Reportedly Declared Mohamed Sankoh Wanted Over August 2022 Unrest That Left Three Officers Dead
By Ibrahim Bah
Mohamed Sankoh, a motor mechanic from Kissy Town, Waterloo, was reportedly declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police for questioning over his alleged involvement in the violent public disorder of 10 August 2022, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of three police officers.
According to an abstract report relating to Criminal Case No. 4668/2022, Sankoh was alleged to have participated in an unlawful demonstration in Waterloo during the unrest, which also reportedly involved attacks on supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
The report identified Sankoh as a supporter of Hon. Kasho J. Holland-Cole of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC). It further alleged that, before the incident, he worked as a motor mechanic in Kissy Town, Waterloo.
On the day of the unrest, Sankoh was allegedly spotted at Tombo Park wearing a T-shirt and carrying a placard bearing the inscription, “We want peace, Freedom and Justice, and Maada must go.”
The report further alleged that at about 10:00 a.m. on 10 August 2022, Sankoh acted in concert with other youths to incite public disorder in Waterloo. It claimed that he was seen among groups of youths chasing police personnel and SLPP supporters, while tyres were reportedly set ablaze in the streets.
According to the report, police and military personnel raided Sankoh’s residence on the evening of 10 August 2022 in an attempt to arrest him over his alleged involvement in the unrest and the reported killing of three police officers.
However, the security personnel reportedly failed to find him at the residence, with the report stating that he had fled to an unknown destination.
The report further alleged that several youths in the vicinity of Sankoh’s residence were beaten and arrested during the operation. It also claimed that occupants of the area were warned that Sankoh would be shot dead if he were found.
The report suggested that pressure from government officials and SLPP supporters demanding that Sankoh be brought to justice contributed to the decision to declare him wanted for questioning and possible prosecution.
It has been disclosed to this newspaper that Sankoh was wanted in connection with the alleged offences and that investigations were ongoing.
