AYV News, February 10, 2026
The Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, has joined mourners across the country to honour the life and distinguished service of the late Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Valesius Victor Thomas.
To demonstrate his respect for one of the nation’s most revered jurists, the Honourable Chief Justice KombaKamanda joined other dignitaries such as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Alpha Sesay, Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown City, Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature and mourners to sign the Book of Condolence, paying tribute to the late Justice Thomas’ remarkable commitment to the legal profession and the Judiciary.
Delivering a tribute on behalf of the Judiciary, Court of Appeal Judge, Honourable Justice Jamesina King, described the late Acting Chief Justice as a man who served with integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication. She noted that the late Acting Chief Justice Thomas was a man of fine character whose contributions to the Judiciary will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.
The late Honourable Acting Chief Justice ValesiusVictor Thomas served as a Member- Council of Legal Education, Member- General Legal Council, Lecturer- University of Sierra Leone and was later appointed Acting Chief Justice in 2015, following the retirement of the substantive Chief Justice, Honourable Umu HawaTejan-Jalloh.
The late Honourable Chief Justice Thomas enjoyed a distinguished legal career spanning over four decades, including service as a State Counsel at the Law Officers’ Department. He retired from active judicial service in 2016.
The late Acting Chief Justice passed away on 25 January 2026 in Freetown at the age of 75.
