Former Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Thomas Daddy Brima has reportedly been arrested and detained in Maburaka over concerns surrounding the ongoing BADEA-funded school project in Magburaka.

According to sources close to the matter, some local chiefs are reportedly dissatisfied with the quality of work being carried out on the project, alleging that the construction does not reflect the amount of money allocated for the development.

The BADEA School Project forms part of a major infrastructure development programme aimed at modernising Magburaka Government Secondary School for Boys and improving educational facilities in support of the government’s Free Quality Education initiative.

The wider programme reportedly has a budget of approximately US$68 million, comprising US$65 million in funding from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and US$3 million in counterpart funding from the Government of Sierra Leone. Approximately US$4.4 million has reportedly been allocated to the Magburaka campus.

Sources further claim that complaints regarding the implementation of the project had already been brought to the attention of President Julius Maada Bio for his consideration.

The circumstances surrounding Brima’s reported detention remain unclear. According to one source, he was allegedly invited to a meeting with local chiefs but was detained upon arrival.

It has not yet been established whether the reported detention was formally ordered by the police or whether any official charges have been brought against him.

As of the time of writing, the allegations concerning the project’s quality and expenditure have not been independently verified. Brima’s response to the allegations was also not available.

Further clarification from the relevant authorities and those responsible for the project is needed to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.