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Edwina Jamiru, identified as the mother of a child with Court of Appeal Judge Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens, has publicly apologised following her release from detention at the Sierra Leone Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where she was held for more than 10 days during a defamation investigation.
In a video shared on social media shortly after her release, Jamiru expressed remorse for her actions and appealed for forgiveness from the public. “I am not a bad person, and I want the people of Sierra Leone to know that I love them,” she said.
Jamiru acknowledged making negative statements about Justice Stevens, which she said were driven by stress and a desire to draw attention to issues affecting women. She described herself as a feminist and said her intention was to raise awareness about what she characterised as unfair treatment by men, particularly those in positions of authority.
While apologising for publicizing the dispute, Jamiru maintained that she believed the judge’s conduct toward her was wrong. She said her actions were meant to prevent similar situations from occurring to other women and girls in society. “My fight is to make sure women are treated right,” she stated.
Jamiru also alleged that the stress surrounding the matter significantly affected her wellbeing and claimed that both Justice Stevens and the Government of Sierra Leone were responsible for her detention. She likened her stance to that of historical figures who, she said, spoke out against perceived injustice.
During her remarks, Jamiru thanked supporters from the entertainment industry and wider society who stood by her during the investigation.
Authorities have not publicly commented in detail on the outcome of the CID investigation, and Justice Stevens has not issued a public response to Jamiru’s latest statements.
The issue between Jamiru and Stevens caught the eye of the public earlier this year after the judge sued the former for bullying. Months after that ensued, details of their love affair was made public, including Jamiru bearing a daughter for the judge.
Stevens has since been suspended by the Judiciary with regards to the issue but still retains his place as lecturer at the University of Sierra Leone, teaching at the Law Faculty of Fourah Bay College where Jamiru is a student.
Some members of the public have supported Jamiru, believing that she was a victim of sexual exploitation and abuse of power by the judge. Others blamed Jamiru for having an affair with Stevens, a married man with children. They believe that Jamiru’s actions were uncultured and immoral in Sierra Leone.
