A panel of three Justices presiding over the Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in a highly significant Commission of Inquiry case. This legal matter involves the State, former President Ernest Bai Koroma, and Opposition presidential Candidate Dr. Samura M.W Kamara.

The esteemed panel of Justices, comprising Honourable Justices A. Ivan Sesay, Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens, and Adrian Jocelyn Fisher, recently presided over a series of hearings that delved into this complex and closely-watched case. The Commission of Inquiry was established to investigate a wide array of matters pertaining to public interest and accountability, making it a matter of considerable importance to the nation’s citizens and stakeholders.

The decision to reserve judgment implies that the panel is taking the time to thoroughly review the evidence, legal arguments, and submissions presented by all parties involved. This is a standard practice in complex cases to ensure that a fair and just decision is reached.

The Commission of Inquiry case has garnered significant attention due to its wide-ranging inquiries into matters of governance, public funds, and accountability during the tenures of former President Ernest Bai Koroma and his associate, Dr. Samura M.W Kamara.

Notably, this legal battle was set in motion in October 2020 when former President Ernest Bai Koroma, represented by a legal team led by Ade Macauley, filed appeals challenging adverse findings made by Justices Thompson and Georgewill. Their objective was to have these findings set aside, and they also sought to nullify the Government White Paper concerning the former President. A key argument put forth by the appellant’s legal representatives was that the Commissioners failed to consider the President’s immunity clause as mandated by the Sierra Leone Constitution.

Furthermore, it was contended that the Commissioners violated constitutional procedures governing Commissions of Inquiry and wrongly indicted the appellant. In response, the Solicitor General emphasized the President’s immunity clause as per Section 48(4) of the 1991 Constitution.

In a related development, Lawyer Ade Macaulay also lodged an appeal challenging the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendation involving Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara in the sale of Sierra Rutile’s 30% share.

As Sierra Leone awaits the Court of Appeal’s judgment on this significant legal matter, it remains a focal point of public interest and legal scrutiny, with implications that may shape the future course of justice, governance, and accountability in the nation.