Police Over-Detention Declines, But Concerns Remain, says CHRDI

The Campaign for Human Rights Development International (CHRDI) has ongoing cases of over-detention at key police facilities in the western area of Freetown, despite some improvements in compliance with legal holding periods.

On July 14, 2025, CHRDI’s monitoring team visited eight police stations and engaged with 193 suspects currently in custody. The visit revealed a noticeable reduction in instances of prolonged detention at several stations. However, significant violations were observed at Lumley Police Station and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters.

According to CHRDI, Lumley Police Station recorded 23 cases of over-detention, while 19 individuals at the CID Headquarters were being held beyond the legal timeframe stipulated by Sierra Leonean law. These findings raise red flags about continued challenges in protecting detainees' rights and upholding due process.

The team also documented the demographic breakdown of those in custody, consisting of 20 females and 173 males. Additionally, 10 suspects were released on the day of the visit, and 27 were formally charged and brought before the court.

CHRDI emphasized that while some progress has been made, the data highlights the ongoing need for greater accountability within law enforcement and full compliance with the legal standards governing detention. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to sustained monitoring and advocacy in the interest of justice and human rights protection.