By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone has announced that its President, Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, has instituted legal action before the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone seeking the protection and enforcement of his constitutional rights to freedom of thought and expression.
In a press statement dated December 29, 2025, the Society disclosed that the action was filed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, against Lloyd Hindolo Jusu, the Deputy Master and Registrar of the High Court of Sierra Leone, along with other unnamed parties. The suit challenges disciplinary proceedings initiated against Mr. Marrah before the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council.
According to the statement, the Supreme Court action seeks judicial clarification on whether the disciplinary complaint lodged against Mr. Marrah violates rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Sierra Leone, particularly provisions safeguarding freedom of thought, expression, and opinion. The Society also cited Sierra Leone’s obligations under international human rights treaties to which the country is a signatory.
The case raises several constitutional questions, including whether public comments made by Mr. Marrah on AYV Television on December 10, 2025—coinciding with International Human Rights Day—can lawfully form the basis of professional disciplinary action.
Additionally, the Society argues that reliance on matters previously resolved—specifically a contempt issue concluded in 2020 and an incident from a non-judicial meeting in 2022—may amount to double penalization. The statement notes that such reliance could undermine the fairness of the disciplinary process and render it unconstitutional.
“These issues go to the heart of constitutionalism, fair hearing, and the proper limits of professional regulation,” the statement indicated.
Beyond the substantive constitutional challenge, Mr. Marrah has also filed a Notice of Motion requesting a stay of the ongoing disciplinary proceedings before the General Legal Council’s Disciplinary Committee. The application seeks to suspend the process until the Supreme Court has conclusively determined the constitutional questions raised.
Legal observers note that such applications are typically aimed at preventing parallel proceedings that could prejudice constitutional litigation or result in conflicting outcomes.
The Lawyers’ Society has publicly declared its full support for the Supreme Court action, describing it as consistent with its mandate to defend the rule of law and uphold constitutional governance. The Society urged judicial authorities to ensure that the matter is resolved fairly, impartially, and without undue delay or interference.
“The Society remains a staunch advocate for constitutionalism and due process,” the statement read, adding that it expects an expeditious determination of the issues involved.
Reaffirming its broader mission, the Lawyers’ Society emphasized its commitment to promoting a free, democratic, and rights-respecting society. It stated that it would continue to stand with individuals whose constitutional rights are threatened or violated and pledged to keep the public informed as developments unfold.
The case is expected to attract significant national attention, given its implications for freedom of expression, professional accountability, and the relationship between constitutional rights and regulatory authority within Sierra Leone’s legal system.
