By Ragan M. Conteh

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has strongly criticized and Lampooned the actions of Sierra Leone Police officers who allegedly demanded citizens’ national identification cards at the Youyi Building in Freetown on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, CHRDI described the actions as unlawful, arguing that the police have no legal authority to request ID cards from citizens in public spaces unless there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.

“Police lack the authority to require identification without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. Such actions undermine legal standards and violate fundamental rights to privacy and freedom of movement,” CHRDI stated.

The organization further warned that these practices erode public trust in law enforcement, creating “an environment of fear rather than safety.” It called on the Sierra Leone Police to immediately cease such actions and implement comprehensive training for officers on lawful identity checks.

CHRDI emphasized that officers who engage in human rights violations must be held accountable, regardless of orders from their superiors.

“As we work towards strengthening democracy and good governance, we encourage all citizens to follow the rule of law and address grievances peacefully,” the statement added.

The rights group also urged civil society organizations and the public to speak out against such violations, stressing the need for collective efforts to build a fairer society where justice prevails.