Legal Education Council In Brouhaha
By JKM
The Council of Legal Education has formally filed a complaint against the Director of the Sierra Leone Law School, Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura, over a series of serious allegations bordering on misconduct, abuse of office, and violations of statutory regulations.
In a letter dated March 27, 2026, and addressed to the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Council accused Dr. Bangura of actions that allegedly contravene provisions of the Council of Legal Education Act No. 1 of 1989, raising concerns about the integrity and governance of the country’s premier legal training institution.
Central to the complaint are allegations of unauthorized admissions, with the Council claiming that some students were admitted into the Law School without its approval. It further alleges that monies were collected from individuals who were not duly admitted, with promises of facilitating their entry outside established legal procedures.
The Council also cited procurement irregularities, accusing the Director of initiating and executing contracts related to the Law School’s building project without the requisite authorization. In a similar vein, Dr. Bangura is alleged to have carried out staff recruitment without Council approval, in breach of laid-down procedures.
More troubling are claims of academic malpractice, including allegations that students who failed examinations were passed and cleared for progression toward the Bar. The complaint also points to the manipulation of student grades through unauthorized mark adjustments, as well as the introduction of online components of the Bar course without the Council’s consent.
The document further highlights a breakdown in administrative relations, accusing the Director of refusing to comply with directives from the Council, including failure to hand over Law School property when requested.
Describing the situation as a “grave breach of trust” and an abuse of office, the Council maintains that the alleged actions have significantly undermined the credibility of both the Sierra Leone Law School and the broader legal education system.
The matter has now been formally referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation. The Council says it is prepared to provide supporting documentation, including Council minutes, admissions records, procurement reports, and financial statements.
The complaint was signed by the Registrar of the Law School, Daniel J. Lavali, and copied to the Chairman of the General Legal Council and members of the Council.
As of press time, neither the Anti-Corruption Commission nor Dr. Bangura has issued an official response. The outcome of the investigation is expected to have far-reaching implications for accountability and standards within Sierra Leone’s legal profession.
