By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has on August 22, 2025 issued a scathing rebuttal to what it describes as baseless and misleading corruption allegations arising from the 2023 Auditor General’s Report. In a Press Release from the Judiciary Communications and Public Affairs Unit, the institution firmly rejects claims of “massive corruption” within its ranks, particularly those tied to an audit query involving sixty-nine thousand, five hundred and fifty-nine Leones (Le69,559). That amount, allegedly collected by the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on behalf of the Judiciary, has sparked controversy, but the Judiciary insists the accusations are unfounded and deliberately exaggerated to tarnish its reputation.
The Judiciary asserts that the disputed sum relates to legitimate court fines, search fees and service charges, including costs for filing affidavits, affidavits of service, ejectment notices, subpoenas, consent judgments and official court document copies. Those revenues, it emphasizes, are either collected or handled directly by the Judiciary across its court premises nationwide. The institution maintains that it is solely responsible for collecting and banking those funds, a process overseen with diligence. The NRA has corroborated that, confirming that the Le69,559 was duly paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund or approved banks, with supporting bank statements submitted to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament.
The PAC’s review of the 2023 Auditor General’s Report revealed discrepancies noting that the Auditor failed to include critical bank statements and NRA documentation that would have clarified the matter. During deliberations, the Committee highlighted that the NRA’s follow-up responses provided to the Judiciary and intended to address the audit findings, were inexplicably omitted from the final report. That omission, the Judiciary argues, has fueled a misleading narrative. Attached to the Press Release is the NRA’s official response, further defending the Judiciary’s position.
The Judiciary expresses deep regret over the actions of certain journalists who, it claims, circulated those false allegations without verifying facts, as required under the Independent Code of Practice (Paragraph 1, page 12). That code mandates accurate reporting, yet some media outlets have instead propagated sensationalized stories of corruption where no evidence exists. The Judiciary underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, operating under a robust system of checks and balances. Its financial transactions are subject to the same scrutiny as other public institutions, ensuring integrity under its current leadership.
In light of that, the Judiciary urges the Press to uphold responsible journalism by verifying information before publication and refraining from spreading narratives that erode public trust without justification. The institution remains open to legitimate inquiries and welcomes efforts to promote transparency and good governance. For further details, the public is encouraged to contact the Judiciary Communications or visit www.judiciary.gov.sl, where additional information is available or follow the Judiciary on its social media platforms.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of factual reporting in maintaining public confidence in national institutions. The Judiciary stands resolute, ready to address genuine concerns while dismissing unfounded claims that seek to undermine its credibility.
