How the Minister is alleged to have colluded with others to forge a divorce certificate
Sierra Leone has positioned itself as a global leader in the fight against sexual violence, particularly against women and children, through bold legislative reforms, international advocacy, and high-profile campaigns. From the First Lady’s “Hands Off Our Girls” initiative launched in December 2018 to the unanimous adoption of a UN General Assembly Resolution on Access to Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence in September 2022 under President @julius_maadabio’s leadership, the government has worked tirelessly to project an image of moral authority on the global stage. However, recent allegations against Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy, the current Minister of Works and Infrastructure and former Minister of Lands, Housing, and the Environment, threaten to undermine these hard-won gains. The government’s silence on these allegations raises serious questions about its commitment to justice and accountability at home.
A Web of Legal Allegations
Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy is now at the center of a legal storm. The most recent allegations, detailed in court documents filed by the law firm Betts & Berewa Solicitors, accuse Dr. Sandy of colluding to forge divorce proceedings against his wife, Mary Kai Sandy (née Koroma). According to an Originating Notice of Motion filed in the High Court of Sierra Leone, the law firm is seeking to have a purported Decree Absolute, dated 27th November 2024, declared null and void ab initio. The decree, registered at the office of the Administrator and Registrar General, is alleged to have been fraudulently obtained, with Betts & Berewa’s name misused as backing in the registration process without their knowledge or consent.
The court documents reveal a disturbing sequence of events. Betts & Berewa, the law firm of the late Solomon Berewa and Garvas Betts, claims it was never retained by Dr. Sandy to prosecute his divorce proceedings. The misuse of their name, the firm argues, has tarnished its reputation, created false impressions about its practice, and strained relationships with clients, colleagues, and the judiciary. The firm is seeking reputational damages in the sum of NLE 2,500,000.00 (Two Million Five Hundred Thousand New Leones) and other relief as the court deems fit.
Further complicating the matter, a letter dated 23rd January 2025 from the law firm Michael & Michael, acting on behalf of Mrs. Mary Kai Sandy, raises additional concerns about the integrity of the judicial process. The letter, addressed to the Master and Registrar of the High Court, alleges that the decree absolute was obtained through “irregular and potentially criminal and corrupt means.” According to the letter, Mrs. Sandy, who was in the United States at the time, was never personally served with the petition, as required by Rule 8(1) of the Matrimonial Causes Rules, Cap 7. Moreover, a search of the court registry’s cause book revealed no record of the proceedings, and Honourable Justice Ganda, named in the decree as the presiding judge, has denied any knowledge of the matter.
The allegations of forgery, impersonation, and fraudulent manipulation of court processes are currently under investigation by the judiciary. If proven, these actions would not only constitute serious legal and ethical breaches but also raise profound questions about the abuse of power by a senior government official.
A Stepdaughter’s Cry for Justice
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the legal saga, a video posted by Amira Koroma, Dr. Sandy’s stepdaughter, last year has brought additional allegations against the minister into the public domain. While the specific details of her claims remain unverified, the public nature of her accusations demands immediate attention, particularly given the government’s stated commitment to protecting women and girls from abuse and ensuring access to justice. The silence from State House on this matter is deafening, especially in light of the government’s international advocacy.
The Government’s Silence
Sierra Leone’s government has made significant strides in addressing sexual violence, earning global recognition for its efforts. In February 2019, the government declared a state of national emergency in response to escalating instances of rape and sexual violence. In September 2019, amendments to the Sexual Offences Act introduced life imprisonment and harsher sentences for perpetrators. In November 2022, Sierra Leone, under the leadership of First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, sponsored a UN General Assembly resolution establishing 18th November as a day to spotlight the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Most recently, in September 2024, reports highlighted that President Bio’s efforts ensured that 1.3 billion survivors worldwide gained access to justice through the UN General Assembly Resolution on Access to Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence.
Against this backdrop, the government’s failure to address the allegations against Dr. Sandy is both alarming and deeply concerning. By remaining silent, the government risks sending a message that those in positions of power are above scrutiny, a stance that is utterly incompatible with the principles it champions on the global stage. Is the government willing to jeopardize its hard-won reputation for the sake of shielding one minister?
Other countries take such matters more seriously. A few days ago, #Namibia’s agriculture minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, was sacked and arrested after being accused of raping a 16-year-old girl five years ago and attempting to bribe her to withdraw the case. He denies the allegations.
Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads. The government’s response to the allegations against Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy will determine whether it remains true to its stated values of justice, accountability, and protection for the vulnerable, or whether it succumbs to the temptation to shield one of its own. @Sierraeye has learnt that Dr Sandy’s case was investigated by the Judiciary and a damning report has been sent to the Anti-Corruption Commission. The stakes are high, not just for the individuals involved, but for the nation’s moral authority and global reputation. It is time for the government to act decisively, ensuring that justice is not only promised on the international stage but delivered at home.
Sierraeye is a limited liability company and our principal shareholder is also the head of the law firm of Michael and Michael.
