APC Lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Ordered to Pademba Road Prison
Chief Justice Komba Kamanda ordered APC lead counsel Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara to remain at Pademba Road Prison until October 13, 2026, after a contempt of court ruling.
Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has ordered Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, lead counsel for the All People’s Congress, to be taken to Pademba Road Prison following a contempt of court ruling during ongoing constitutional proceedings.
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Kamara, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, was charged after refusing to retract a statement made during proceedings. The Supreme Court ordered him to remain in prison until Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Dispute over court documents
The dispute arose during arguments concerning documents submitted by the Attorney-General’s Office. Kamara challenged the procedural handling of the filings, including whether a Statement of Case had been properly filed.
The court considered the contempt matter during an adjournment lasting approximately 15 minutes. When proceedings resumed on October 8, Chief Justice Kamanda described some of Kamara’s comments from the previous day as “very, very degrading” towards the President of the Supreme Court.
The verified account does not specify the exact statement Kamara was ordered to withdraw.
Apology before imprisonment order
Kamara apologized to the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court. He said his conduct was motivated by his professional responsibility to defend his client and uphold the Constitution.
Despite the apology, the court ordered that he be taken to Pademba Road Prison. As he was escorted away, Kamara reportedly said, “Members of the Bar, I will be back.”
In Sierra Leone, courts have powers to address conduct considered contemptuous, particularly where it may undermine judicial authority or interfere with the administration of justice. Lawyers are expected to represent their clients independently while complying with professional ethics and courtroom procedure.
Impact on constitutional case remains unclear
Kamara had been representing the All People’s Congress in the constitutional matter. The immediate effect of the ruling on the continuation of the case remains unclear.
Further proceedings are expected to address Kamara’s legal position and the next steps in the constitutional case. The available account does not establish the legal basis or length of any additional contempt sanction beyond the order requiring him to remain in prison until October 13.
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