A few weeks back the Judiciary of Sierra Leone issued a press release for a high court sitting in some parts of the provinces for the first, as a way of fighting injustice in the country.

For fighting injustice in the ongoing Judicial Week, a boy who stole two thousand old leones bread and several were freed.

The 17 years old boy Umaru Bah, popularly known as Sparta from Manowa Peje Bongay, Kailahun District narrated before Justice Babatunde Edwards how he was never given audience by the Magistrate and was never convicted but was on trial.

I was detained for fifteen (15) months at the Kenema Male Correctional Center for stealing two thousand Leones (old notes) Bread”.

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According to him, he was never convicted but was still on trial.

“The Magistrate didn’t give me audience but today the e gave me audience to explain my side”, he said in tears, whilst thanking the Hon. Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards for fighting what he called “injustice” to review their cases.
He was toeased today during the ongoing Judicial Week.

Several other cases were called upon and were discharged.
Lucy Bockarie who was refused bail for over five months was also granted bail by Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay.

Desmond Luke who was sentenced to one year or pay a fine of one Million Leones old notes was acquitted and discharged. Desmond is a tailor and was given One Hundred Thousand Leones old notes by one Ibrahim Kamara who later instituted legal action against him for failing to sew his clothes or refund his money. He said during his first appearance before the Magistrate’s Court he admitted to the offense and was sentenced to one year or pay a fine.

In his address, Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay said the administration of justice is fundamental to the operations of the Judiciary, stressing that the essence of the Judicial Week is to enhance access to justice.

Umar Bah, Desmond Luke, Mustapha Saidu, Lucy Bockarie, and Kadiatu Bockarie were among those given transport fares to their respective places to reunite with their families and loved ones. They prayed for Access to Justice, and His Lordship Justice Desmond allows support.

Lucy Bockarie described Chief Justice Edwards as a true servant of God whilst Desmond Luke called him a “Saviour of Humanity”.

Access to justice through Judicial Week will allow some accused persons or convicts to be heard while in detention and have their cases reviewed b two Judges, one in Magburaka and one in Kenema.

Meanwhile, the accused persons who were granted bail will have the opportunity for their bail conditions to be reviewed on Wednesday, 16th November 2022 by Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay.

Judicial Week is supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).