A former police chief from Sierra Leone has been detained and turned over by Liberian authorities after that nation accused him of plotting a coup against President Julius Maada Bio’s administration.
He mentioned that Liberia had opted to surrender the former police chief to Sierra Leone as requested, following preliminary investigations.
He further stated that Sierra Leone had provided assurances that the ex-police chief’s rights would be upheld, including the right to a fair and expedient trial.
Nevertheless, Liberia’s Independent National Commission on Human Rights expressed reservations about the extradition, citing concerns about surrendered individuals potentially facing “physical abuse, unfair trial, or excessive punishment” from the requesting government.
In a statement, the commission also reminded Liberia’s government of its responsibilities, including the refusal of extradition requests if the offense “is considered a political offense or one associated with a political offense.”
The former police chief has been residing in Liberia since last year. He was among the officers dismissed from the Sierra Leone police force in 2020, with others compelled into retirement, according to local media reports.
His deportation comes after more than a week following the Sierra Leone police’s accusation against unspecified individuals “at home and abroad” of plotting violent protests.
Last week, the police reported the arrest of several individuals, including unnamed senior military officers, for allegedly “working to undermine the peace and tranquillity of the state.”