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The Sierra Leone Judiciary has officially wrapped up its 2025 Criminal Session, revealing that 1,659 detainees are presently in correctional centers nationwide.
These numbers represent the volume of cases overseen during this yearly judicial period, which plays a vital role in the country’s criminal justice system.
Official data from the Judiciary indicates that among the inmates, 1,561 are male and 98 are female. They are detained on a range of charges—from petty offenses to serious crimes—and appeared before the courts during this year’s Criminal Session for trial or sentencing.
The proceedings were overseen by Honourable Justice Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens of the Court of Appeal. Throughout the session, he supervised the hearing of numerous criminal cases, ensuring judgments were delivered in line with established legal procedures. Justice Stevens highlighted the need for prompt and just resolution of cases, especially for detainees who have remained on remand for lengthy durations.
This Criminal Session functions as a crucial tool for alleviating case backlogs and delivering justice without undue postponement. It is a core aspect of the Judiciary’s duty to uphold the rule of law and guarantee that defendants receive a fair trial within a reasonable period, in accordance with Sierra Leone’s constitutional guarantees.
The 2025 session is particularly significant as it comes before the comprehensive rollout of the new Criminal Procedure Act, 2025. This legislation is anticipated to introduce various legal reforms aimed at streamlining criminal processes, safeguarding defendants’ rights, and bolstering public trust in the justice system.
As it concludes the 2025 Criminal Session, the Judiciary reaffirms its dedication to administering justice and upholding the integrity of Sierra Leone’s legal system. The institution remains committed to supporting democratic governance, protecting human rights, and ensuring that the justice sector remains transparent, accessible, and accountable to all citizens.
