By Mbalu Conteh
A magistrate court in Sierra Leone has remanded prominent activist Zainab Sheriff, chief executive of the “We Duti Lappa Movement,” after denying her bail, meaning she will spend the upcoming Eid holiday in detention.
Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Court No. 1 at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court ordered Sheriff to be held in custody following her fifth court appearance on Wednesday. The case was adjourned to March 25, 2026.
Sheriff is facing two charges: incitement and the use of threatening language.
The court’s decision to deny bail marks a continuation of Sheriff’s detention, despite repeated appearances before the court since proceedings began.
Her legal team has yet to publicly outline its next steps, but the ruling has drawn attention from civil society observers, particularly as it coincides with the Eid period, a major religious holiday observed by Muslims in Sierra Leone.
Prosecutors allege that Sheriff made statements deemed capable of inciting unrest and threatening public order. Details of the specific allegations were not fully outlined in court on Wednesday.
The case has been adjourned to allow for further proceedings later this month.
Sheriff, known for her activism and leadership of the “We Duti Lappa Movement,” has attracted both support and criticism in Sierra Leone’s politically charged environment.
Her continued detention is likely to intensify debate around freedom of expression and the use of public order laws in the country.
The court is expected to resume hearings on March 25.
