The Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that Zainab Sheriff has died, confirming that she is alive and recovering after receiving medical attention.
In an official statement issued on Sunday, 17 August 2026, the Correctional Service said its attention had been drawn to a flyer circulating on social media alleging that Zainab Sheriff is dead.
The institution described the information as false and urged members of the public not to rely on or circulate the claim.
According to the SLCS, Zainab Sheriff had complained of being unwell while in custody and was subsequently provided with the necessary medical attention.
The Correctional Service said she is recovering well, stressing that the welfare and medical needs of inmates remain a priority for the institution.
“Zainab Sheriff is reliably alive,” the institution stated while rejecting the social media reports surrounding her condition.
The SLCS further reassured the public that inmates who become ill while in its custody are provided with appropriate medical attention, maintaining that it remains committed to safeguarding their welfare.
Against the backdrop of the misinformation circulating online, the Correctional Service appealed to media institutions, social media users and the general public to rely on official information from the institution when reporting or sharing developments concerning inmates in its custody.
The institution emphasized the importance of verifying sensitive information before publication, particularly reports concerning the health or alleged death of persons in custody.
The Correctional Service maintained that it remains a reliable source of official information regarding individuals under its supervision and encouraged the media and members of the public to seek clarification from the institution whenever questions arise.
For further information concerning the matter, the SLCS advised the public and media practitioners to contact its Head of Media and Public Relations.
The clarification comes amid the increasing circulation of unverified information on social media, highlighting the need for greater caution and verification before claims involving the health, safety or death of individuals are shared with the public.
