By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
In a decisive move to address allegations made against Sierra Leone’s Judiciary in the “2023 Audit Report” released by the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), the Judiciary’s Communications Unit issued a firm rebuttal on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The statement addresses claims of “financial misappropriation/mismanagement” outlined in the report.
The Judiciary’s press release strongly rejected the allegations of financial mismanagement, labeling the claims as misleading and inaccurate. The release also warned that such assertions could damage the reputation of the judiciary maliciously.
The allegations stem from an audit query involving a sum of Sixty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty-Nine Leones (Le69,559), reportedly linked to court fines and service-related fees collected on behalf of the Judiciary. However, the Judiciary’s Communications and Public Affairs Unit clarified that these funds were not handled by any judiciary staff. Instead, the funds were managed by employees of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), the government agency responsible for collecting revenues on behalf of public institutions, including the Judiciary.
“We categorically state that these claims are false and misinformed. The Judiciary does not collect these fees directly,” the release stated. “NRA officials are responsible for revenue collection across court premises nationwide.”
The release further explained that this issue had been addressed in a session on August 14, 2025, when the Judiciary, represented by the Master and Registrar, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament to review the 2023 Audit Report’s findings. During the session, the Master and Registrar confirmed that the NRA had provided bank statements and follow-up documentation to the Auditor General’s office, showing that the Le69,559 had been deposited into the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Despite this, the audit report did not correct the error.
The Judiciary condemned media outlets and journalists who published the financial mismanagement allegations without verifying the information with the concerned organization. It emphasized the importance of responsible reporting, especially on sensitive issues like corruption, urging journalists to fact-check before publication.
While urging the media to verify crucial information surrounding such allegations, the Judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, fairness, and transparency. The statement underscored that under the current leadership, the Judiciary remains dedicated to accountability and the rule of law.
“Under the current leadership, the Judiciary remains committed to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law,” the release affirmed. “We operate within a framework of checks and balances like all other public entities.”
The Judiciary concluded the release by reiterating that its doors remain open to constructive scrutiny, with a commitment to strengthening institutional transparency and accountability, and ensuring justice is delivered equitably to all Sierra Leoneans.