Sierra Leone's Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Moinina Sandy, is facing serious allegations of judicial misconduct. Court documents and legal correspondence suggest that Dr. Sandy colluded with others to fraudulently obtain a divorce certificate without the knowledge or participation of his wife, Mary Kai Sandy (née Koroma), who was reportedly in the United States at the time. The case, now before the High Court of Sierra Leone, alleges that the minister manipulated the judicial process to secure a decree absolute under false pretenses, implicating issues of forgery, impersonation, and abuse of power .
The law firm Betts & Berewa Solicitors, whose name appears as backing on the disputed divorce decree dated November 27, 2024, has categorically denied any involvement in the proceedings. In its petition to the court, the firm argues that its name was used without consent, thereby damaging its reputation and misleading the public, clients, and the judiciary. The firm is seeking reputational damages of NLe 2.5 million .
Further details from a letter dated January 23, 2025, written by the law firm Michael & Michael on behalf of Mrs. Sandy, indicate that no personal service was made as required by Sierra Leone’s matrimonial laws, and no record of such a case appears in the judiciary’s cause book. Additionally, Honourable Justice Ganda, under whose name the decree was issued, has denied any knowledge of the case, adding to the gravity of the matter .
The scandal deepened following a viral video posted last year by Dr. Sandy’s stepdaughter, Amira Koroma, who made personal allegations against the minister. While the claims remain unverified in court, the public nature of her testimony has amplified calls for transparency and accountability, particularly from women’s rights groups and legal watchdogs .
The allegations come at a time when Sierra Leone has gained international recognition for its aggressive stance against sexual and gender-based violence. Under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, the country passed landmark reforms, declared a state of emergency on rape, and co-sponsored a UN resolution expanding access to justice for survivors of sexual violence globally. The First Lady’s “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign has been hailed as a transformative force. Yet, the government’s silence on the accusations against one of its own senior ministers raises questions about its commitment to the very principles it advocates abroad .
Sierraeye has learned that the judiciary has investigated the case and submitted a report to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), headed by Francis Ben Kaifala. However, no public statements have been made by State House, the Ministry of Works, or the ACC, leaving many to question whether political considerations are being prioritized over justice and the rule of law .
Observers note that other countries have demonstrated swift action in similar cases. In Namibia, for example, Agriculture Minister Mac-Albert Hengari was recently dismissed and arrested following rape allegations, underscoring a zero-tolerance approach to abuse by public officials. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for Sierra Leone’s international reputation and internal governance standards. With the country having positioned itself as a global leader in rights protection and judicial reform, failing to act decisively could send a troubling message that impunity persists at the highest levels .
As calls grow louder for accountability, the public awaits a clear response from the government—a test not only of its legal system but also of its moral leadership.