Calls for the release of lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara have followed a Supreme Court order directing that he remain in detention until October 13, 2026.

Kamara, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, was ordered detained on October 8 by Chief Justice and Supreme Court President Justice Komba Kamanda. He was representing the opposition All People’s Congress in constitutional proceedings concerning the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025.

The dispute arose after Kamara declined to withdraw a statement when directed by the Chief Justice. He later apologised before the Court. The available accounts do not establish whether the detention order was subsequently reconsidered.

Opposition seeks release

In a statement dated October 10, the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, signed by Opposition Leader Abdul Kargbo, asked the Supreme Court to take Kamara’s apology into account and order his release.

The Opposition also urged supporters and the wider public to remain calm and pursue their concerns peacefully.

The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone issued a separate appeal on October 9 for reconsideration of the contempt proceedings and Kamara’s unconditional release. The Society said his public apology, professional standing and contributions to Sierra Leone’s justice system should be considered.

Kamara has previously served as Deputy Prosecutor of the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

Legal bodies call for restraint

The General Legal Council described Kamara’s conduct as discourteous and inconsistent with Rule 4(2) of the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules, 2010. However, the Council also appealed for reconsideration of the custodial punishment.

According to the Council, professional discipline and a review of the detention could proceed together. It also emphasised the importance of constructive relations between the Bench and the Bar.

The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone called for judicial independence, professional restraint and respect for constitutional processes. It urged judicial officers to act impartially and appealed to politicians, civil society organisations and the media to avoid inflammatory statements.

Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden criticised remarks attributed to Kamara, including the statement, “You are showing your hand too early,” and said the Chief Justice would have been justified in citing him for contempt.

Several senior legal practitioners, including Charles Francis Margai, Dr. Abdulai O. Conteh and Sulaiman Borbor Kabba, were reportedly linked to efforts to secure Kamara’s release.

Conflicting reports have emerged about possible bail arrangements, but no final bail order could be independently established. The available accounts indicate that Kamara was expected to remain detained until October 13, with the subsequent outcome not established.