Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, on Friday, 16 October 2026, ordered the release of eleven inmates convicted of various minor offences at the Kailahun Correctional Centre, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen access to justice, ensure proportional sentencing and reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities across the country.
The intervention, which followed a review of convictions and sentences handed down by Magistrates’ Courts, marked a significant development in the administration of justice in Kailahun District. The visit was described as historic, with Chief Justice Komba Kamanda becoming the first substantive Chief Justice to travel to the district and preside over such proceedings at the Correctional Centre.
The exercise was conducted pursuant to Chapter 17 of the Laws of Sierra Leone, 1960, which provides for the exercise of supervisory and review powers over decisions, convictions and sentences imposed by Magistrates’ Courts.
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda examined cases involving inmates serving custodial sentences for relatively minor offences, with particular attention to the circumstances surrounding their convictions and the proportionality of the punishments imposed.
Among those who regained their freedom was 20-year-old Abdul Momoh, a resident of Kumbala in Kailahun Town, who had been convicted of larceny for stealing one kilogramme of cocoa valued at just NLe80, equivalent to less than US$5.
Abdul Momoh had been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or ordered to compensate the complainant with NLe2,000. He disclosed that he had already spent nearly three months at the Kailahun Correctional Centre before the Chief Justice intervened.
His case drew particular attention because of the relatively small value of the stolen commodity compared with the custodial sentence and compensation imposed. The circumstances highlighted broader concerns about proportionality in sentencing, particularly where minor offences result in imprisonment.
Before ordering the release of the eleven inmates, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda delivered a stern warning, making it clear that the exercise was not simply intended to secure the freedom of convicted persons but to ensure that justice was administered in accordance with the law.
He explained that the review formed part of his responsibility to examine the work of Magistrates’ Courts and identify cases in which convictions or sentences warranted judicial intervention.
The Chief Justice emphasized that the administration of justice must reflect fairness, accountability and proportionality, particularly when dealing with offences that do not necessarily justify lengthy custodial sentences.
He further underscored the importance of protecting the integrity of the justice system while ensuring that correctional facilities are not unnecessarily overcrowded with individuals convicted of minor offences.
Chief Justice Komba Kamanda also cautioned the released inmates against returning to criminal activities, encouraging them to regard their freedom as an opportunity to reform their lives, demonstrate responsible behaviour and contribute positively to their communities.
He stressed that the opportunity granted to them should serve as a turning point, reminding them of their responsibility to respect the law and become productive members of society.
The Member of Parliament for Kailahun District, Honourable Hindolo Moiwo Gevao, welcomed the intervention and commended the Chief Justice for demonstrating leadership and commitment to improving access to justice, particularly for residents of communities outside Freetown.
“I commend the Chief Justice for being so desirous of promoting access to justice and upholding the rule of law,” Honourable Hindolo Moiwo Gevao stated.
He described the visit as a historic occasion for Kailahun District, noting that the Chief Justice had not only undertaken the review of inmates’ cases but had also commissioned two residential quarters intended for the Resident High Court Judge and Magistrate.
According to Honourable Hindolo Moiwo Gevao, the provision of accommodation for judicial officers represents an important step towards strengthening the presence and effectiveness of the Judiciary in the district.
He observed that improving the working and living conditions of judicial personnel could contribute to more effective justice delivery, particularly in provincial communities where access to judicial services remains an important concern.
The Member of Parliament expressed appreciation to Chief Justice Komba Kamanda and his delegation for travelling to Kailahun and taking practical steps to address challenges affecting the administration of justice.
He maintained that the Chief Justice’s decision to personally review cases at the Correctional Centre demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that justice is accessible to all citizens, irrespective of their geographical location or socioeconomic circumstances.
The release of the eleven inmates also brought renewed attention to the importance of regular judicial reviews, particularly in cases involving minor offences where custodial sentences may raise questions about proportionality.
Such interventions can provide an opportunity to examine whether sentences imposed by lower courts are consistent with applicable legal principles while reinforcing public confidence in the administration of justice.
Beyond the release of the inmates, the commissioning of residential quarters for judicial officers formed part of the broader significance of the Chief Justice’s visit, highlighting efforts to improve judicial infrastructure and strengthen the delivery of justice in Kailahun District.
Chief Justice Komba Kamanda was accompanied by a high-level delegation of judicial officials, including Honourable Justice John Bosco Allieu JA, Honourable Justice Jamesina E.L. King JA, Honourable Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura J and Honourable Justice Isata Susan Sellu Tucker J, together with Magistrates and senior Management staff of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone.
The visit underscored the Judiciary’s stated commitment to strengthening judicial oversight, promoting fair sentencing and ensuring that the justice system remains accessible and responsive to the needs of citizens throughout Sierra Leone.
