A coalition of leading civil society organizations in Sierra Leone has called for the immediate resignation or suspension of Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy, Minister of Works and Public Assets, following serious allegations of fraudulent conduct as detailed in a recent judicial investigative report.
The call comes in the wake of the Investigating Committee Report, submitted on April 2, 2025, by Justices Glenna Thompson (JSC), F.B. Alhadi (JA), and Monfred Sesay (JA). The report, which focused on the issuance of fictitious court orders within the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, implicates Dr. Sandy in securing a fraudulent divorce certificate through unlawful means.
According to the findings, Dr. Sandy actively engaged an unqualified individual, Magnus Coker, to obtain a Decree Absolute without filing a divorce petition, securing legal counsel, or attending court. His testimony during the investigation was described as inconsistent, implausible, and lacking respect for legal processes. The Committee concluded that Dr. Sandy was “an active participant in this fraudulent act” and recommended his referral to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for further investigation.
The undersigned civil society groups—Campaign for Good Governance, Citizens Advocacy Network, Citizens’ Barray, Freedom Hub, Institute for Governance Reform, Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice, and The Lawyers’ Society—expressed deep concern about the implications of the report, warning that Dr. Sandy’s continued presence in office undermines public trust and compromises the integrity of Sierra Leone’s governance institutions.
“As Minister of Works, Dr. Sandy holds a position of great public trust. His actions, as described in the report, strike at the heart of our justice system and reflect a blatant disregard for the rule of law,” the coalition stated.
They stressed that the allegations, if substantiated, represent a grave breach of ethical and legal standards, warranting immediate administrative action. “We therefore call on Dr. Sandy to resign from his position. Should he fail to do so, we urge His Excellency the President of Sierra Leone to suspend him from office pending the conclusion of the ACC’s investigations.”
The civil society groups also endorsed the Committee’s broader call for judicial reforms to prevent similar abuses and demanded accountability for all individuals involved in the scheme, regardless of their status.
“This moment calls for decisive leadership. Allowing Dr. Sandy to remain in office risks further eroding public confidence in both our justice system and the institutions of governance,” the statement warned.
The coalition affirmed its commitment to monitoring the process and ensuring justice prevails, reiterating its stance on transparency, accountability, and the protection of democratic values in Sierra Leone.
