Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Michael Ambrose Sovula, is reportedly receiving medical treatment after he was allegedly attacked at the Bo Police Station on Sunday, 5th January 2026, at around 5:00pm.
Competent sources in Bo District said the former police chief was pelted with stones by a group of irate youths, who were allegedly acting on the orders of the Member of Parliament for Bumpe-Ngao Chiefdom, Hon. Charles D. Abdulai.
Due to his reported health condition, Michael Ambrose Sovula could not speak to the media. He was instead represented by his younger brother, David Sovula, who briefed journalists during a mini press conference held at the Choithram Memorial Hospital on Hill Station in Freetown, where the former IGP is currently hospitalized.
Addressing the media, David Sovula alleged that Hon. Charles D. Abdulai personally took part in the attack and threatened to kill the former IGP. He claimed the MP used his mobile phone to hit Michael Ambrose Sovula during the confrontation.
David Sovula further stated that the alleged hostility is linked to a recent Paramount Chieftaincy election in Bumpe-Ngao Chiefdom, which was won by Paramount Chief Alfred Sovula Gbandoma II Esq, the son of the form IG. Charles D. Abdulai became displeased after his preferred candidate lost the election “woefully,” and has since filed a petition challenging the outcome.
David Sovula also accused the MP of allegedly inciting residents in the chiefdom not to pay their local taxes, claiming there was “no Paramount Chief” in the community due to the ongoing petition.
He further alleged that Hon. Charles Abdulai has publicly questioned the qualification of the new Paramount Chief, describing him as “too young” to hold the position.
The incident reportedly occurred amid rising tension in the chiefdom following an allegation that some charms were discovered in the community, believed to have been intended to poison the local water source.
Reports say the Chiefdom Imam, Brima Bassie, who made the discovery, was asked by the authorities to testify. However, during the process, he was allegedly attacked and beaten by some hooligans,but was rescued through the timely intervention of police officers.
David Sovula denied allegations that his brother or family had any connection to the charms, insisting that the former IGP had no reason to harm his own people.
A police source in Bo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told this medium that officers saw Hon. Charles Abdulai throw his mobile phone at Michael Ambrose Sovula, which allegedly struck him in the stomach. However, the source maintained that the MP did not physically beat the former IGP.
Efforts to reach Hon. Charles Abdulai for comment reportedly proved futile.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Freetown has taken over the matter and is currently investigating the alleged attack.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement as investigations continue.
