AYV News, May 8, 2025
Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has ordered that no execution shall be carried out by the Undersheriff’s Office without the approval of the Supervising Judges.
This move, apart from ensuring greater accountability and transparency in the judicial processes, is a way to empower all Supervising Judges and allow them to be effective and efficient in their work for the timely delivery of justice.
In an official memorandum issued by the Deputy Master and Registrar, Mrs. Huliamatu F. Christian-Moses, and addressed to the Undersheriff and all bailiffs, the Honourable Chief Justice had directed that this approval must be evidenced by the signature of the Supervising Judges.
According to the Honourable Chief Justice, this move will significantly improve the execution process and improve public confidence.
“This will help to raise the much-needed funds for the Government. It also ensures that unreasonable fees are no longer levied for executions and that executions will not be used as a means to frustrate Court processes,” the Honourable Chief Justice said. He reiterated that, “with such supervision, execution of court processes which has been a significant challenge will be a thing of the past”.
The Chief Justice directed as follows:
1. Henceforth NO execution shall be carried out by the Undersheriff’s Office without the approval of the Supervising Judges;
2. Such approval must be expressed by the signature of the Supervising Judges;
3. No Sale of property shall be effected by the office of the Undersheriff without the approval of the Supervising Judges;
4. Any litigant who pays monies for any execution processes henceforth shall be provided with an NRA receipt indicating such payment;
5. In the Case of additional fees to be paid in furtherance of the execution process receipt must be provided for such payment;
6. Any failure to carry out a lawful execution should be brought to the attention of the Supervising Judges.
The new directive takes effect immediately and is expected to significantly reshape how court-ordered executions are carried out across the country.
