Young Nigerian Man Held for Entering Sierra Leone Without Permit

January 23, 2026

A 21-year-old Nigerian man is currently in police custody after allegedly entering Sierra Leone without the required immigration documents, a court in Freetown has heard.

The suspect, Ibrahim Bello, who is unemployed and based in Lagos, was charged for entering the country without a valid permit. He is expected to appear before Magistrate Salamatu A. Jalloh at the Pademba Road Court No. 8, where he faces two immigration-related charges.

According to the charges, Bello allegedly entered Sierra Leone without official authorization and failed to comply with immigration requirements as stipulated by law.

Court documents state that he was arrested on Monday, 29 December 2025, at Tombo Wharf near Waterloo in the western part of Freetown. Authorities allege that he could not provide a reasonable explanation for his entry into the country and did not have the necessary permit at the time of his arrest.

Prosecutors further told the court that Bello intentionally failed to meet the legal obligations required of non-citizens entering the country.

During the hearing, the prosecution confirmed that the accused remains in police custody and assured the court that he would be available for future proceedings. The case has been adjourned to 26 January 2026 for further hearing.