By Janet A. Sesay
Lead counsel in the ongoing constitutional matter before the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), has told the Court that his appearance in the case is aimed at defending the Constitution and ensuring that the constitutional questions before the Court are properly determined, rather than promoting any personal or political interest.
The statement came during a tense exchange between Lawyer Kamara and Chief Justice Komba Kamanda during proceedings on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
The confrontation followed concerns raised by the Chief Justice over remarks allegedly made by Lawyer Kamara during the previous day’s proceedings. The Chief Justice described the remarks as “terribly derogatory” to the personality and integrity of the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the country.
Chief Justice Kamanda said what had transpired the previous day was completely unnecessary, stressing that the Supreme Court has considerable powers to act within the confines of the law.
He also called on Lawyer Kamara to retract the statement he had allegedly made publicly, emphasizing that the matter before the Court was constitutional in nature and should be determined without obstruction.
The Chief Justice described the comments attributed to Lawyer Kamara as contentious and an affront to the personality and integrity of the Court.
He therefore gave the lawyer an opportunity to issue a public apology, warning that failure to do so could result in him being cited for contempt of court and potentially barred from appearing before the Supreme Court.
“The choice is yours,” the Chief Justice told Lawyer Kamara.
Responding, Lawyer Kamara said he had listened carefully to the concerns raised by the Court and understood the issues surrounding what had transpired.
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.
Lawyer Kamara maintained that he was before the Court to defend the Constitution and ensure that the constitutional questions before it were properly determined, rather than to promote any personal or political interest.
He described the case as one of significant national importance and said he intended to give it his best because of the potential implications for the country.
According to him, the matter was not about him personally or any individual, but about ensuring that the constitutional questions raised received proper judicial consideration.
He further 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.
At that stage, the proceedings briefly stood down. When the Court resumed, the other Justices also addressed the issue.
Lawyer Kamara subsequently offered an apology. However, the Chief Justice expressed concern that he remained reluctant to fully comply with the Court’s demands.
The Chief Justice then instructed Lawyer Kamara to remove his wig and stand in the dock. Lawyer Kamara reportedly refused to comply with the order.
Following his refusal, the Chief Justice ordered his arrest.
The arrest brought a dramatic turn to the proceedings, as Lawyer Kamara was taken into custody and subsequently sent to Pademba Road Prison.
During his arrest, Lawyer Kamara turned to members of the Bar and said: “I will be back.”
The Chief Justice thereafter adjourned the constitutional matter to October 13, 2026.