AYV News, July 4, 2025
In a significant move under the ongoing judicial reforms led by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay JSC, has acquitted and discharged nineteen (19) inmates at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre.
The proceedings were part of a special Prison Court initiative funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
The decision followed a comprehensive review of cases involving 115 inmates. These included five (5) cases with judgments reserved, thirty-three (33) cases stalled due to prolonged adjournments at the High Court, and thirty-five (35) similar cases at the Magistrate’s Courts.
Also reviewed were ten (10) inmates serving life sentences, thirty-two (32) convicted at Magistrate’s Courts, ten (10) elderly inmates aged sixty (60) and above, and two (2) physically challenged individuals.
While reviewing the cases of elderly inmates still incarcerated at the Male Correctional Facility, Justice Sesay noted that many suffered from health issues, a fact corroborated by medical reports. As a result, he acquitted and discharged five elderly inmates:
Abu Bakarr Kamara (66)
Rev. James Sapato Fornah (71)
Munda Lansana (76)
Yusuf Abass (71)
Lahai Shegbena (73)
In addition, he ordered the release of Albert Momoh, Alfred Sullay Momoh, John Junior Kamara, and eleven (11) other inmates based on time already served.
Pleading for leniency, Alfred Sullay Momoh, a life sentence inmate, told the court:
“My Lord, we are pleading for you to temper justice with mercy. We have spent half of our lives behind bars. We’ve been transformed and are confident in our ability to contribute meaningfully to national development if released.”
Before ordering their release, Justice Sesay noted their prison records revealed that their conduct had been good. He urged them to stay away from crime and become productive members of society.
Regarding inmates charged with illegal possession of drugs, Justice Sesay ruled that bail would not be granted. However, he directed that their cases be expedited by the magistrates, applying the same urgency to those with judgments still outstanding.
