KAILAHUN CORRECTIONAL CENTER- Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has ordered the release of eleven inmates serving sentences for minor offences in Kailahun District, following a review of their cases.
The exercise, held at the Kailahun Correctional Centre, aimed to promote access to justice, ensure sentences are fair and proportionate, and help reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities. The Chief Justice exercised his supervisory and review powers under the Laws of Sierra Leone, 1960 (Cap. 17).
During the proceedings, Justice Kamanda considered cases of convicts convicted of minor offences. His visit marked the first time a substantive Chief Justice had gone to Kailahun District to preside over such proceedings at the Correctional Centre. Among those freed was Abdul Momoh, 20, sentenced for larceny after stealing one kilogramme of cocoa worth NLe 80—less than US$5.
Momoh, a resident of Kumbala in Kailahun Town, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or to pay the complainant NLe 2,000. He told the court he had been at the Kailahun Correctional Centre for almost three months. Chief Justice Kamanda warned that the decision to order the release of the inmates should not be construed as a simple effort to free convicted persons. He said the releases aligned with the law and the need to ensure justice was done. He said the review also gave the Judiciary an avenue to review magistrates’ work and identify cases where there was a need to intervene in convictions or sentences for minor offences.
“The process was to bring about justice and relieve pressure on the correctional system,” he said. Justice Kamanda told those released to desist from further offending and to make productive contributions to their communities. His remarks pointed out that the review was not a blanket clearance, but a review of individual cases under the law. Honourable Hindolo Moiwo Gevao, Member of Parliament for Kailahun District, praised the Chief Justice for his commitment to access to justice and the rule of law. “I commend the Chief Justice for his desire to promote access to justice and uphold the rule of law,” Gevao said.
The MP said Justice Kamanda’s visit had made history in the district. He said the Chief Justice was in Kailahun to commission two official quarters for the Resident High Court Judge and Magistrate before proceeding to the Correctional Centre to preside over proceedings that led to the release of the eleven inmates.
Gevao also thanked the Chief Justice and his delegation for visiting the district and showing their commitment to delivering justice.
Honourable Justices John Bosco Allieu JA, Jamesina E. L. King JA, Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura J and Isata Susan Sellu Tucker J accompanied Justice Kamanda. The delegation also comprised magistrates and senior management staff of the Judiciary.
