By: Audrey Raymonda John
In a historic first for Sierra Leone’s judiciary, Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown abruptly left court, leaving defense counsel in a state of confusion during the ongoing trial of the All People’s Congress (APC) Secretary-General Lansana Dumbuya. The adjournment occurred on 16th February 2026.
Dumbuya is facing three charges include incitement, contrary to the law. Use of insulting language, contrary to Section 2 of the Public Order Act, 1965 (Act No. 46 of 1965). Behaving in an insulting manner, contrary to Section 12(a) of the Public Order Act, 1965, as amended by the Public Order Amendment No. 2 Act, 1973 (Act No. 15 of 1973).
According to court records, on 31st January 2026 at Brima Attouga Mini Stadium in Freetown, Dumbuya allegedly encouraged his supporters to sing insulting songs directed at the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio. The songs reportedly contained language referring to the president as a “thief” and were deemed insulting and inciting by the authorities.
Count One: Dumbuya allegedly incited supporters to call the president a thief, encouraging public disorder. Count Two: He used insulting language, causing annoyance to ASP Francis Momodu Tommy, the Regional Operations Officer of Freetown East.
Count Three: Dumbuya allegedly behaved in a public place in a manner insulting to the president, by leading the crowd in offensive chants.
When the charges were read, Dumbuya pleaded not guilty.
The trial was marked by high drama before it even commenced. Dumbuya entered the courtroom handcuffed, visibly raising his hands to the crowd. Magistrate Jah instructed that only 15 defense counsels and two state prosecutors should be present for the proceedings. He warned that the matter would be adjourned if these instructions were not followed and then withdrew to his chambers.
The court was overcrowded with over 100 lawyers, journalists, and party supporters. The defense team included prominent lawyers such as Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Omieie Gollie, Melron Nicol Wilson, Ade Macualey, Suliaman Kabba Koroma, and Africanus Sesay, alongside many senior and junior counsels.
Later, it was reported that Magistrate Jah left the court without informing the defense counsel, prompting outrage among the legal team. Lead defense counsel Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara held a brief press conference, stating that the lawyers, who had been in court from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., were blindsided by the adjournment. He emphasized that such actions undermine the respect due to legal professionals and announced plans to petition the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone regarding the incident.
Kamara further stated that the trial has now been rescheduled for 19th February 2026 and urged lawyers to assemble at 10:00 a.m. at the Chief Justice’s office to formally register their complaint.
This unprecedented event has drawn attention to courtroom protocol and the need for clear communication between magistrates and legal counsel in Sierra Leone.