By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy, is currently under intense public scrutiny following serious allegations of sexual violence and physical abuse made by his stepdaughter, Amira Koroma. Amira, who now resides in the United States, has allegedly accused Dr. Denis Sandy of attempting to sexually assault her and her younger sister, in addition to physically abusing her mother throughout their marriage.
Taking to Facebook, Amira Koroma purportedly shared harrowing details of her experience, stating that Dr. Sandy, who previously served as Minister of Lands and Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, attempted to rape her when she was 18. She described living in constant fear due to multiple threats made by Dr. Sandy and other Government officials, writing, “I received multiple threats from my stepfather, who recently threatened not just me, but my entire family.”
Amira Koroma revealed that her decision to speak out was triggered by a recent alleged incident involving her younger sister, in which Dr. Denis Sandy reportedly made an attempt to assault her. “My sister recorded him when he tried to pull her to sleep with him after three failed attempts,” she claimed. She further added that Dr. Sandy’s family members were complicit in the harassment, with his elder sister allegedly threatening her mother over the phone.
She also recounted the 17 years she spent living with Dr. Denis Sandy as “the worst torture,” accusing him of physically abusing her mother since their marriage began in 2007. “It has been a journey filled with sadness, pain and abuse,” she said, shedding light on the trauma both she and her family endured. Despite the gravity of these accusations, Dr. Sandy has denied the claims, asserting that Amira Koroma and her sister are attempting to tarnish his reputation.
However, Amira Koroma remains steadfast in her allegations, urging the Government to verify her claims through a polygraph test. She stated, “I have recordings of his brother and him asking my family to say that my statements were made out of anger,” adding that she refused to comply with their requests. Amira Koroma vowed to gradually release more evidence in the form of recordings to support her accusations.
The allegations have quickly gained widespread attention on social media, with many Sierra Leoneans expressing concern and calling on President Julius Maada Bio to remove Dr. Denis Sandy from office and launch an official investigation. Friends and supporters of Amira Koroma have offered their solidarity, urging her to stay strong and calling for justice and accountability in the face of such serious claims.
These allegations come in the wake of Sierra Leone’s significant reforms to its sexual violence laws in 2019, which introduced harsher penalties for sexual offenders. Under the new laws, those convicted of sexual crimes face severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences. The public outrage has raised important questions about the Government’s commitment to ensuring justice in cases involving powerful figures.
Amid the escalating situation, there are reports suggesting that Dr. Sandy’s wife, Hawa Sandy, has gone into hiding, with sources claiming that she, too, has been a victim of the Minister’s abuse. This development has only intensified public calls for action, with citizens and advocacy groups demanding that the Government take immediate steps to address the matter and ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
The pressure on President Bio’s administration to act decisively is mounting, as many see this case as a crucial test of the Government’s resolve in tackling gender-based violence, especially when high-ranking officials are implicated. How the Government handles these allegations will set an important precedent for future cases involving public figures accused of similar crimes.
Dr. Denis Sandy has yet to provide a detailed response to the accusations, though his legal representatives have denied all claims, stating that the allegations are part of a smear campaign designed to destroy his reputation. As public attention on the case grows, many are awaiting further developments, with the hope that the truth will ultimately be revealed.
The situation underscores the urgent need for a formal investigation to bring clarity to the accusations and ensure that justice is served. Whether the claims are validated or proven false, this case has sparked a wider conversation in Sierra Leone about the critical importance of addressing sexual misconduct and abuse of power, particularly within the highest levels of Government.
