Kamarainba Condemns High Court Ruling, Labels Judgment “Unlawful and Politically Motivated”

Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, a former Sierra Leonean politician now residing in the United States, has strongly condemned a recent High Court ruling in Freetown, describing it as unlawful, unconstitutional, and a politically motivated attack on his person.

The ruling, delivered on July 30, 2025, by Justice A.T. Ganda of the High Court (General Civil Division), was in favour of businessman Kobi Walker in a defamation matter. The court awarded damages of NLe 250,000 against Kamarainba and issued a perpetual injunction, despite claims that the defendant was neither served with summons nor informed of the proceedings.

In a strongly worded statement dated August 15, 2025, Kamarainba insisted that he was denied the opportunity to defend himself, stressing that the judgment violated Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution and fundamental principles of natural justice.

“This judgment is not only illegal; it is a travesty of justice. It violates the very foundation of fair hearing enshrined in our Constitution, in ECOWAS protocols, and in universal human rights law. No one can lawfully be tried in absentia without proper service or representation in a civil matter,” he declared.

Kamarainba argued that neither his U.S. address was referenced in the judgment, nor was any lawful attempt made to serve him outside Sierra Leone’s jurisdiction, as required by law. He further noted that the rules of natural justice, particularly audi alteram partem the right to be heard were blatantly disregarded.

Citing Section 23 of the 1991 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing, he accused the Sierra Leone judiciary of falling under the influence of corrupt politicians and businessmen who, in his view, manipulate the courts for personal vendettas and to protect questionable interests.

“The judiciary in Sierra Leone has become a tool for rogue politicians and unscrupulous businessmen like Kobi Walker to pursue personal vendettas. They use courtrooms not for justice but for silencing opponents and protecting unexplained wealth derived from exploiting Sierra Leone’s natural resources,” Kamarainba alleged.

He concluded by warning that the judgment not only undermines Sierra Leone’s legal system but also sends a troubling message internationally.

“This so-called judgment is a stain on Sierra Leone’s justice system. It sends a dangerous message to the world that our courts can be hijacked to destroy individuals without giving them a chance to defend themselves. It is against our Constitution, against African and ECOWAS law, and against basic humanity,” he stated.