Freetown, Monday, October 13, 2025 — The Government of Sierra Leone has launched an investigation after reports surfaced that a Turkish national, recently arrested in Europe for alleged drug and criminal offenses, was found with a Sierra Leone diplomatic passport.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) said it is taking the matter “with utmost seriousness,” noting that the integrity of the country’s diplomatic privileges and international image is at stake.
Acting on the directive of President Julius Maada Bio, SLID has begun a full-scale investigation to uncover how the foreign national obtained the passport, verify supporting documents, and identify any wrongdoing.
The department also announced a wider audit of all diplomatic passports to strengthen accountability and prevent future abuse.
“Protecting the integrity of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic privileges and national reputation is a top priority,” SLID emphasized, warning that any confirmed misconduct will face swift disciplinary and legal action.
The revelation has sparked public concern and renewed calls for stronger oversight in the issuance of diplomatic passports — a process now under intense national scrutiny.
