By John Kamara
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The wife of an investigative journalist has been declared “wanted” by Sierra Leonean authorities, in what rights groups are calling a troubling escalation in the crackdown on dissent and press freedom.
Isata Alpha, the wife of Maxin Alpha, an investigative journalist, reporting for the renowned newspaper The Times-SL, claims she is being targeted simply because of her connection to her husband. Maxin is widely known for uncovering high-level government corruption, including allegations implicating top government officials.
“When they couldn’t find my husband, they came for me,” Isata told reporters from an undisclosed location, where she now lives in hiding.
Neighbours reported repeated armed police raids on the couple’s residence at Manifay Drive, Jui, with officers allegedly stating they were there to “teach Maxin a lesson.” On July, 2024, Isata’s apartment was raided without a warrant. During the operation, police reportedly seized her computer and issued threats to nearby residents.
Though no formal charges were brought against her, Isata was declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police. Human rights advocates say the move is illegal and politically motivated.
The crackdown extended beyond Isata. In February 2024, Maxin Alpha’s brother, a serving soldier in the Sierra Leone Armed Forces was arrested on suspicion of aiding Maxin’s escape. No charges have been filed, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
“This was a malicious move,” Isata said. “He had no involvement, and he’s being punished simply for being related.”
Legal analysts say the arrest reflects a growing trend of state repression by which authorities use unlawful tactics to intimidate, supress and instil fear and silence government critics or political dissent.
Maxin Alpha gained national attention for investigative reports revealing alleged embezzlement and misuse of public funds by senior officials. His work has made him a target, with anonymous death threats and a warrant for his arrest driving him into hiding.
His wife, Isata, is also a prominent activist and a member of the opposition APC women’s wing. She has been outspoken against gender-based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM). In June a workshop she led on FGM was violently disrupted, allegedly by politically motivated actors.
“Even peaceful advocacy is punished,” Isata said. “No voice is safe in today’s Sierra Leone.”
