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The Legal Aid Board (LAB) has provided legal representation for 71 accused persons during the September Criminal Session of the High Court, which ran from Tuesday 16 to Friday 19 September 2025 at the Freetown High Court No. 1 on Siaka Stevens Street.
The session coincided with the commencement of the new Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 2024. Proceedings were initially presided over by the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, and later by Honourable Justice A.T. Ganda, JA.
In all, 93 cases were called before the court.
Eight of the accused persons were absent, 14 were defended by private counsel, while 71 benefited from the services of the Legal Aid Board. The offences ranged from conspiracy to commit migrant smuggling, attempted human trafficking, bigamy and embezzlement to unlawful possession and manufacturing of prohibited drugs, conspiracy to defraud, murder, larceny, wounding with intent, robbery with aggravation, shop breaking and larceny, larceny from a person and fraudulent conversion.
Out of the 71 represented by the Board, 26 cases were concluded. Two of the accused were cautioned and discharged, while 24 were sentenced to varying prison terms.
In addressing the two who were discharged, the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles, cautioned them against reoffending. She stressed that with limited staff and few lawyers, the Board would be challenged to continue representing repeat offenders.
She further urged them to be satisfied with whatever little they have and to return to their communities as responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.
Representation for the accused was handled by Legal Aid Counsels Cecilia Tucker Esq., Cyril Taylor-Younge Esq., Olu V. Garber Esq., and Bankole C.E. Morgan Esq., reaffirming the Board’s mandate to ensure equal access to justice for all, particularly for those who cannot afford private legal services.
