First Lady Fatima Bio Calls for Release of Arrested Reality TV Star

March 1, 2025

Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, has publicly appealed for the release of reality TV star Hawa Hunt, who was arrested in December for allegedly making critical social media comments about President Julius Maada Bio and his wife.

Hawa Hunt, a social media personality with over 100,000 followers, was taken into custody on December 22 while participating in the reality TV show House of Stars. Her arrest was linked to videos and comments she posted in May 2023, which led to charges under the Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021 for allegedly transmitting insulting messages and inciting public disorder.

In a video statement released on social media to mark the start of Ramadan, Fatima Bio denied any involvement in Hunt’s arrest or prosecution. She clarified that while she had blocked Hunt on Facebook in 2022 due to repeated insults, she had no role in the legal actions taken against her.

“A lot of people have been pointing fingers at me over Hawa Hunt. I want to make it clear that I have no idea who arrested Hawa Hunt or why she was arrested. I have nothing to do with it,” she stated.

She went on to urge the authorities handling the case to release Hunt, emphasizing the emotional toll on her children. “No child deserves to be without their parents, especially their mother,” she added.

Hunt’s arrest has sparked debates about freedom of speech and the enforcement of cybersecurity laws in Sierra Leone, with growing calls for a review of such cases.