Augustine Marrah Pushes to Dismiss Lawsuit by SLBA President Tuma Jabbi

Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, a prominent member of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) and a candidate for its presidency, has moved to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Tuma Adama Jabbi, who claims to currently hold the position of SLBA President.

The legal dispute, originating from an AGM held in Kenema in May 2024, centers around allegations of election irregularities and breaches of the Companies Act 2009. Ms. Jabbi initiated the case with an Originating Summons, challenging the legitimacy of the AGM’s conduct and outcomes.

Mr. Marrah, represented by the law firm OJPLegal, argues that the case brought by Ms. Jabbi is procedurally flawed. His legal team contends that the Originating Summons is unsuitable for the case, which involves complex disputes of fact requiring detailed examination. They also argue that the case was incorrectly filed in the wrong division of the High Court, suggesting it should be heard by the Fast Track Commercial and Admiralty Division.

Central to Mr. Marrah’s motion is the challenge to the AGM’s legitimacy, citing issues such as the early commencement of the meeting and the exclusion of eligible members from voting.

His team seeks an interim injunction to prevent Ms. Jabbi and her associates from acting as directors or representatives of the SLBA, arguing that their actions could cause irreparable harm to the Association’s reputation and governance.