The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IG), Fayia Sellu, to publicly guarantee the safety and security of journalist Thomas Dixon, ensuring he can return to his professional and personal life without fear.

This appeal follows a tense situation sparked by a Facebook post in which Dixon described the IG as “arrogant.” According to SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, the IG expressed frustration over the post, alleging it misrepresented him despite his prior phone conversation with Dixon.

The IG reportedly mentioned the possibility of Dixon’s arrest during their communication.SLAJ intervened swiftly, with Nasralla urging the IG to pursue alternative actions, such as filing a formal complaint with the Independent Media Commission (IMC) or writing directly to SLAJ.

Following this, the IG reportedly reconsidered the arrest but insisted on reminding journalists to maintain professionalism in their work.

To de-escalate the situation, Nasralla also advised Dixon to temporarily leave his residence as a precautionary measure. In parallel, SLAJ engaged the Minister of Information and Civic Education and the IMC Chairman to seek assurances of Dixon’s safety.

Nasralla commended the IG for his willingness to consider SLAJ’s advice but emphasized the need for a public commitment to Dixon’s safety.

“We now call on the IG to publicly guarantee the safety and security of Thomas Dixon, allowing him to return to his normal activities without fear,” Nasralla said.