Popular entertainer Zainab Sheriff is set to make her second appearance tomorrow before Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown in a matter that has drawn significant public and political attention.
Sherriff was recently arraigned before Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah on two counts, including incitement and the use of threatening language, allegedly stemming from remarks she made during a meeting of the All People’s Congress (APC).
According to the prosecution, Sherriff allegedly made statements perceived to have encouraged violence against individuals accused of electoral malpractice. In a police report presented to the court, she was quoted as saying:
“Clearly election don don and you nor get more money than me, you rogue election and cheat a whole eight million people dem and kill people dem and send dem go jail, we go send message say nobody nor go cheat an entire eight million people and proudly go free.”
State prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay argued that the statements posed a significant threat to public order, particularly within what he described as a tense political atmosphere ahead of upcoming electoral processes. He requested additional time to review the case file and prepare witnesses, leading to an adjournment.
Defence counsel M.M. Bah applied for bail on behalf of the accused, arguing that the offences are bailable under the law. He emphasized Sherriff’s strong ties to Sierra Leone, her fixed place of residence, and her responsibilities as a mother of two. Counsel further maintained that she is not a flight risk, pointing to her visible public engagements and willingness to appear before the court.
The defence also cited Section 76(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, which generally supports the granting of bail unless the prosecution can demonstrate compelling reasons for refusal.
However, Magistrate Jah declined to grant bail at this stage, stating:
“I first want to hear the evidence of witnesses before making a decision on bail.”
The matter has been adjourned to February 26, 2026, when the court is expected to begin hearing evidence in what many observers describe as a high-profile and politically sensitive case.
