Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Council of Legal Education has lodged a formal complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission against Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura, former Director of the Sierra Leone Law School, over allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and violations of the Council of Legal Education Act of 1989.
In a letter dated March 27, 2026, signed by Registrar Daniel J. Laffey-Bear, the Council detailed a series of grievances against the former Director, accusing him of actions that compromised the credibility of the Sierra Leone Law School and the Council itself.
The complaint alleges that Dr. Bangura engaged in unauthorized admissions, admitting students without Council approval and collecting monies from individuals with promises of admission outside lawful procedures. The Council further accused him of undertaking procurement activities related to the Law School building project without proper authorization.
Among the allegations are claims of academic malpractice. The Council states that the former Director passed students who had failed examinations and were not approved by the Council to be called to the Bar. He is also accused of permitting students to undertake the Bar course of study online without the approval of the Council, contrary to sections of the Council of Legal Education Act. Additionally, the complaint alleges manipulation of student grades through the illegal increasing of marks.
The Council further claims that Dr. Bangura signed contracts with contractors without authority from the Council, made unauthorized staff appointments to the Law School, and refused to hand over property belonging to the institution upon the Council’s request.
The Council has requested the intervention of the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matters. According to the correspondence, the Council stands ready to provide all necessary documentation, including minutes of Council meetings, admissions records, procurement reports, and financial statements, to support the complaint.
Copies of the letter were addressed to the Chairman of the General Legal Council and members of Council.
