By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah, the principal magistrate of the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1, has demonstrated exceptional commitment and efficiency since taking office. Serving at the Pademba Road Court in Freetown, Magistrate Jah has earned recognition for his swift handling of cases and dedication to clearing a significant backlog of files.
When Magistrate Jah assumed office on June 4, 2025, he inherited more than 200 pending files, some dating back to 2022, 2023, and 2024. Under his leadership, these matters were addressed with remarkable speed, and many were successfully committed to the High Court for further trial.
Known for his diligence and impartiality, Magistrate Jah has presided over high-profile cases, including matters involving the manufacturing and distribution of illegal substances such as “kush,” illegal mining, and national security offenses. In these cases, he has emphasized the importance of sufficient evidence presented during preliminary investigations.
In September 2025, Magistrate Jah presided over a significant case involving two individuals charged under the Treason and State Security Act of 1963 for allegedly leaking the President’s travel manifest. In addition, he remanded several foreign nationals in the Bombali District for engaging in illegal mining activities without the proper licenses.
Magistrate Jah has also handled cases of fraud, including allegations of fraudulent withdrawals from banks, with hearings continuing as recently as August 2025. Another notable case under his watch was the murder of Reverend Father Augustine Dauda Amadu in Kenema, which was committed to the High Court for further investigation.
One of the most high-profile cases he managed was related to the “Kush” matter, which had been stuck in court for a long time. Magistrate Jah dealt with this case expeditiously, remanding the defendants in prison and ensuring the matter was sent to the High Court for trial.
In just five months, Magistrate Jah has made a tremendous impact by facilitating the swift and efficient movement of these crucial cases through the judicial system. He is widely respected for his approachability and fairness, offering both the prosecution and defense equal opportunity to present their cases. His rulings are always grounded in the Criminal Procedure Act or the Constitution, and he is known for providing legal advice to attorneys when needed.
Magistrate Jah’s professionalism, discipline, and dedication to justice have earned him the admiration of his colleagues and those who appear before him. His balanced approach and commitment to maintaining fairness in the courtroom make him an invaluable asset to the judiciary.
The people of Sierra Leone are fortunate to have such a capable and diligent figure serving as the principal magistrate at Pademba Road Court.