By: Audrey Raymonda John
A lawyer identified as Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara was arrested on the orders of the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone after a tense confrontation at the Supreme Court over remarks he allegedly made about the Court during proceedings the previous day.
The confrontation followed a warning from the Chief Justice that the remarks were considered “terribly derogatory” to the personality and integrity of the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, the highest court in the country.
The Court said the events of the previous day were unnecessary, stressing that it has considerable powers to act within the confines of the law.
The Chief Justice told JFK to retract the statement he had allegedly made publicly, warning that his refusal to apologize could result in him being cited for contempt of court or being barred from appearing before the Supreme Court.
The Court explained that because the matter before it was constitutional in nature, it had decided not to obstruct the proceedings and had allowed the substantive case to continue.
However, the Court took issue with the comments attributed to JFK, describing them as contentious and an affront to the personality and integrity of the Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice subsequently gave JFK an ultimatum to either issue a public apology or risk being cited for contempt.
“The choice is yours,” the Chief Justice told him.
Responding to the Court, JFK said he had listened carefully and understood the concerns raised over what had transpired the previous day.
He explained that, as a lawyer, he had a professional duty to his clients and was required to pursue their interests to the best of his ability.
However, he stressed that his responsibilities extended beyond his clients, saying he also owed a duty to the State and the nation.
JFK maintained that he was before the Court to defend the Constitution and ensure that the constitutional questions before the Court were properly determined, rather than to promote any personal or political interest.
He described the matter as one of significant national importance and said he intended to give it his best because of its potential implications for the country.
According to JFK, the issue was not about him personally or any individual, but about ensuring that the constitutional questions before the Court received proper consideration.
He maintained that he would continue to pursue the matter on behalf of his client, stressing that the issues before the Court were too important to be treated lightly.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for the matter to be resolved through the proper legal process and in the interest of the nation.
Following a short stand-down, the matter returned before the Supreme Court, where the judges addressed the issue.
JFK subsequently offered another apology. However, the Chief Justice reportedly expressed concern that he remained reluctant to fully comply with the Court’s directives.
The Chief Justice then instructed JFK to remove his wig and stand in the dock.
JFK refused to comply with the order, following which the Chief Justice ordered his arrest.
The development brought a dramatic turn to the proceedings, with JFK being taken into custody following the confrontation with the Court.
Following his arrest, JFK reportedly turned to members of the Bar and told them, “I will be back.”
The Chief Justice thereafter adjourned the matter to 13 October 2026.
The proceedings have now moved from a dispute over publicly made comments to a direct confrontation between counsel and the Supreme Court, culminating in an arrest order and a further hearing date.
The next appearance on 13 October is expected to determine the further course of the matter.