By Foday Moriba Conteh
The National Civil Society Forum in Moyamba District has called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the death of Police Constable John Patrick Togbie, describing the circumstances surrounding his death as deeply disturbing and demanding that those responsible be held accountable.
In a press statement issued on June 16, 2026, the civil society group expressed sadness over the death of Togbie, who died on May 24, 2026, while serving with the Sierra Leone Police at the Moyamba Division.
According to the statement, the late Togbie was a member of the Moyamba community who had previously served the district as a teacher before joining the Sierra Leone Police Force.
The organization said his untimely death has created anxiety within the community and prompted widespread calls for accountability and transparency.
The Civil Society Forum noted that initial reports suggested Togbie may have died by suicide. However, it said the official autopsy report presented to the family by the Chief Medical Examiner of the Ministry of Internal Affairs indicated otherwise.
According to the statement, the autopsy listed the causes of death as:
- Multiple blunt force injuries.
- Fractures and injuries to the head, neck, chest, and the entire spine.
- Severe, brutal, horrifying, frenzied and fatal physical assault, including manual strangulation with finger trail excoriation and neurogenic shock.
Based on the findings of the autopsy, the organisation called on the Sierra Leone Police and relevant state authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“We strongly demand that a thorough and impartial investigation by the state be conducted and that those responsible for this tragic incident be held accountable,” the statement reads.
The organisation further stated that the people of Moyamba deserve to know the truth surrounding Togbie’s death and that only a credible investigation would provide justice and closure for his family, friends, and the wider community.
The Civil Society Forum also called for measures to protect potential witnesses who may have information relevant to the investigation.
According to the statement, witness protection should be prioritised to encourage individuals to come forward without fear of intimidation or reprisals.
The organization further pledged its willingness to cooperate with law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation, noting that collaboration between civil society and state institutions would help ensure transparency and public confidence in the process.
In addition, the group appealed for psychosocial support to be provided to the children of the deceased to help them cope with the loss of their father.
The statement concluded by urging the authorities to act swiftly to ensure justice is served.
“We urge the authorities to act swiftly and definitively in this matter, reassuring our community that justice will prevail, and the Moyamba CSO and other Human Rights Institutions will follow this matter until justice is served,” the statement concluded.
The press statement was signed by Alie M. Tokowa, Public Relations Officer of the National Civil Society Forum, Moyamba District.
