AYV News, July 3, 2025
In a major step under Sierra Leone’s judicial reform efforts, Supreme Court Justice Alusine Sesay has acquitted and discharged 19 inmates at Pademba Road Correctional Centre during a special Prison Court session supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Proceedings involved a detailed review of 115 cases, including five with judgments pending, 33 delayed at the High Court, and 35 facing similar hold-ups at the Magistrate’s Courts. Ten life sentence cases, 32 magistrate-level convictions, two involving physically challenged individuals, and ten elderly inmates aged 60 and above were also examined.
Many elderly inmates were found to be suffering from health complications, a fact confirmed by medical assessments. Justice Sesay subsequently ordered the release of five elderly men: Abu Bakarr Kamara (66), Rev. James Sapato Fornah (71), Munda Lansana (76), Yusuf Abass (71), and Lahai Shegbena (73).
“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,” pleaded Alfred Sullay Momoh, a life sentence inmate.
Fourteen other inmates, including Albert Momoh, Alfred Sullay Momoh, and John Junior Kamara, were also released based on time already served and consistent good behavior while in custody.
Justice Sesay acknowledged the positive prison records of those discharged and encouraged them to stay away from crime and re-enter society as responsible citizens.
Cases involving illegal possession of drugs will not be eligible for bail, Justice Sesay ruled. However, he instructed magistrates to expedite those proceedings, along with cases still awaiting judgment, to prevent further delays.
