By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has raised fresh concerns over the state of press freedom and journalist safety in Sierra Leone, following a series of unresolved incidents recorded in its December 2025 Media Freedom Review.
The monthly publication, produced through the monitoring and reporting of freedom of expression and the press, internet freedom, digital and online rights, and the safety and security of journalists, highlights multiple cases ranging from intimidation and threats to assaults, restrictions on access to Parliament and the ongoing murder trial of a journalist in Waterloo.
According to the review, MRCG followed up on key incidents including the alleged intimidation of journalist Lamarana Bah, online threats made against Yusuff Moseray Suma, the withdrawal of broadcast frequency from G8 Media Group by the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA), alleged physical and verbal assaults on journalists and the continued restriction of a journalist from accessing Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
MRCG said there was no new development on the matter relating to the alleged intimidation of Amadu Lamrana Bah, a presenter of the “Morning Devotion” programme on Truth Radio, by an individual identified as Admire Bio on 14 October 2025.
The intimidation allegedly followed public comments made by Lamrana Bah about the devastating effects of the synthetic drug “Kush” on Sierra Leone’s youth.
MRCG quoted Kabbah Lavalie, an officer attached to the Cyber Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), who stated that investigations into the matter were still ongoing.
The report also revisited the case of Yusuff Moseray Suma, former News Editor and Head of Current Affairs at Unity Broadcasting Online TV in Freetown, who was allegedly threatened online by an unknown individual during a live broadcast on 22 October 2025.
Yusuff Moseray Suma told MRCG that he had not yet reported the matter to the police.
The controversial broadcast was reportedly based on political discussions concerning the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), including allegations of threats to democracy and remarks on political suppression made during an inaugural ceremony for the party’s newly elected executive.
MRCG further reported that there was still no progress regarding the withdrawal of broadcast frequencies from G8 Media Group by NaTCA.
Co-owner Thomas Dixon said engagements with relevant stakeholders, including NaTCA, the Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah and the Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh, had not yielded any positive response.
The report recalled that on 30 July 2025, just days before G8 Media’s planned launch, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, confirmed that engagements were still ongoing with NaTCA to resolve the matter.
However, MRCG’s December review suggests that the dispute has remained stagnant months later.
Another issue addressed in the report is the alleged assault of Foday Fofanah, a camera operator with Africa Young Voices (AYV), who was reportedly attacked by armed personnel of the Sierra Leone Police on 21 May 2025 at the Old Road Model Junction.
The incident allegedly occurred after Foday Fofanah intervened in a public confrontation involving police officers and a commercial motorbike rider, during which female street vendors’ goods were reportedly destroyed. Foday Fofanah expressed concern over the women’s losses, but was allegedly physically attacked by police officers and sustained multiple injuries.
AYV’s Head of Television, Aki Coker, was quoted as saying the police had still not called AYV, despite earlier assurances. On the other hand, police reportedly stated they were waiting for the journalist to assist with investigations.
In the case involving Tejan Sheikh Rogers, a lecturer at Milton Margai Technical University, MRCG said there was no new development in December 2025.
Tejan Sheikh Rogers appeared in court on 17 March 2025 on a cyber stalking charge under Section 44(2)(b) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021, for allegedly using his WhatsApp number to post recorded audios and text messages in a group titled “Maada must stay campaign.” The messages were said to have damaged the reputation of the university’s Vice Chancellor and Principal, Dr. Philip Kanu.
The matter was heard on 11, 13 and 20 June 2025 at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No.2. A bench warrant was later issued by Magistrate John Manso Fornah after the accused failed to appear in court, but Tejan Sheikh Rogers eventually reappeared on 1 July 2025 and the case was committed to the High Court for further hearing.
MRCG also cited the continuing case of journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray, a member of the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery, who was barred from accessing the precincts of Parliament on 10 January 2025 by Speaker Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas over allegations of “malicious criticism.”
Melvin Tejan Mansaray reportedly said the Privileges and Ethics Committee’s report had already been tabled but Parliament had yet to set a date for debate.
He further told MRCG that his lawyers were reviewing an open letter he intended to send to President Julius Maada Bio to express dissatisfaction over the lack of progress.
One of the most serious cases remains the alleged murder of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia, Deputy Station Manager of Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio FM 96.5.
The matter was heard on 4 December 2025, when a police investigator, Abu Bakarr Kargbo, told the court that Joseph M. Lamin had admitted to murdering Samuel Brima Mattia and explained how the killing was carried out, including the alleged involvement of two other accused persons.
However, Musa Baratay Esq, representing Joseph Lamin, rejected the investigator’s statement and insisted the first accused denied the allegations at the CID, adding that there was no evidence to show Joseph Lamin fought with the deceased at VOPAD Radio.
The case was adjourned to 11 December 2025, but no sitting occurred on that date. Justice Mark Ngebga of High Court No.1 later adjourned the matter to 15 January 2026.
Samuel Mattia was allegedly murdered on 16 January 2025 in Waterloo, Western Rural District.
MRCG said its media freedom initiative is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in the United States and aims to strengthen democratic dialogue and accountability, consolidate peace and promote development through professional, independent and sustainable media grounded in freedom of expression and press rights.
Read the full report here:
https://mrcgonline.org/media-freedom-review-december-2025/
