A coalition of leading Civil Society Organizations in Sierra Leone has called for the immediate resignation or suspension of Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy, the Minister of Works and Public Assets, following damning findings in an investigative report alleging his involvement in a fraudulent scheme.
The call comes in the wake of a detailed report submitted on April 2, 2025, by an Investigating Committee comprising Honourable Justices Glenna Thompson JSC, F.B. Alhadi JA and Monfred Sesay JA. The Committee was tasked with probing irregularities in the issuance of fictitious court orders within the Judiciary of Sierra Leone. Their investigation uncovered what they described as credible evidence of Dr. Denis Sandy’s direct involvement in securing a fraudulent divorce certificate through illegal means.
According to the report, Dr. Denis Sandy obtained a Decree Absolute without ever filing a petition, engaging a lawyer or appearing before any court. Instead, he allegedly collaborated with an unqualified individual, Magnus Coker, to bypass the legal process and fabricate the certificate. The Committee described Dr. Denis Sandy’s testimony as “unimpressive and unreliable,” highlighting his “cavalier approach” and “lack of respect for the rule of law.”
Most significantly, the committee concluded that Dr. Denis Sandy was “an active participant in this fraudulent act,” and recommended that he be referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for further investigation.
In a strongly worded joint statement, Civil Society groups; including Campaign for Good Governance, Citizens Advocacy Network, Freedom Hub, Institute for Governance Reform, Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice, The Lawyers’ Society and Citizens’ Barray expressed grave concern over Dr. Denis Sandy’s continued presence in Government, arguing that his actions have compromised public trust and the integrity of the judiciary.
“As Minister of Works, Dr.Denis Sandy holds a position of immense public responsibility and must be held to the highest ethical standards. His alleged conduct undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for governance,” the statement read.
The organizations demanded Dr. Denis Sandy’s immediate resignation. In the event he fails to step down voluntarily, they urged President Julius Maada Bio to suspend him from office pending the outcome of the ACC’s investigation.
“This is a test of the Government’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law,” the statement continued. “Permitting Dr. Denis Sandy to remain in office under such serious allegations would further erode public confidence at a time when Sierra Leone is preparing for critical democratic processes.”
The Civil Society coalition also echoed the Committee’s call for systemic reform within the judiciary to prevent similar abuses in the future and urged that all individuals implicated in the scandal face swift and impartial action, regardless of status or political affiliation.
They concluded by reaffirming their commitment to holding public officials accountable and promised to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds.
The Ministry of Works and Public Assets has not yet issued an official response to the allegations or the growing calls for Dr. Denis Sandy’s removal.
