Sierra Leone Supreme Court Sends APC Lawyer Kamara to Prison for Contempt

Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has ordered Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, lead counsel for the All People’s Congress, to be held at Pademba Road Prison following a contempt of court ruling.

The order was issued during constitutional proceedings at Sierra Leone’s Supreme Court on October 8, 2026. Kamara was charged with contempt after declining to withdraw or retract a statement made during the previous day’s hearing.

Dispute over courtroom statement

According to the account of the proceedings, Kamara had challenged aspects of the way the constitutional case was being handled. He argued that essential documents, including a Statement of Case, had not been properly filed by the Attorney-General’s Office.

Chief Justice Kamanda described comments made during the October 7 sitting as “very, very degrading” toward the President of the Supreme Court. He also stressed that the Supreme Court is an independent institution established to uphold the Constitution and administer justice.

Kamara tendered an apology to the Chief Justice and the Court. He said his conduct was motivated by his professional responsibility to defend his client and uphold the Constitution.

Court orders detention

The Court adjourned for approximately 15 minutes to consider the contempt matter. When proceedings resumed, Chief Justice Kamanda ordered Kamara to remove his lawyer’s wig and enter the dock.

Kamara was then escorted to Pademba Road Prison, where he was ordered to remain until October 13, 2026. As he was being taken away, he reportedly addressed fellow legal practitioners, saying: “Members of the Bar, I will be back.”

Kamara is a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and is representing the APC in the ongoing constitutional proceedings.

The immediate effect of the order on the APC’s legal representation and the continuation of the constitutional case remains unclear. Further developments are expected when the matter returns before the Supreme Court, including clarification of Kamara’s legal position and the next steps in the proceedings.