Mr. William Fayia Sellu, Inspector General of Police, has assured the Catholic community that the murder of Rev. Fr. Augustine Dauda Amadu will be pursued as an active criminal prosecution rather than a mere entry in crime statistics. During a condolence visit to the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Kenema City on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, IGP Sellu promised that investigators would work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
Fr. Amadu was discovered strangled in the early hours of Sunday, August 31, 2025, in Kenema’s Burma Section, causing widespread concern among clergy and parishioners. “This will not be just another number in our database. It will be included in our prosecution statistics. “Justice will be pursued,” the IGP told the assembled church leaders and members during his visit.
Recognising the palpable grief and anxiety in the Catholic community, Sellu emphasised the Sierra Leone Police Force’s commitment not only to identifying the perpetrators but also to determining the motivation for what he described as a “heinous act.” To highlight the gravity of the investigation, the IGP toured the crime scene with police investigators and church officials, reviewing developments and encouraging community cooperation. IGP Sellu placed the murder in the context of recent security challenges, citing a wave of armed robberies in Bo and Freetown. He emphasised that these incidents occur at an inconvenient time for a country that continues to rank highly on regional peace indices — 5th overall in Africa, 3rd in West Africa, and first in the Mano River Union Basin — and that authorities are working to dispel any perceptions of rising insecurity. The police chief also reported progress in related matters, stating that suspects in the recent Freetown robberies had been apprehended and are currently in court, indicating that the investigation is still ongoing.
“We will go to any length to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Sellu said, promising a thorough and transparent investigation.
Speaking on behalf of the Catholic clergy, the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Tamba Kumasi, expressed concern about an increase in theft of church property and growing insecurity in some communities. He praised the IGP’s prompt response and dedication to the case. Church leaders said they will continue to work closely with police, appeal to the public for any information that can help the investigation, and seek assurances that congregations and clergy will be safe while the investigation is ongoing.
