Sierra Leone Lawyers’ Society Challenges Tribunal Over Supreme Court Judge. Freetown, Sierra Leone — 2026-01-12 Lead Paragraph: The Sierra Leone Lawyers’ Society has publicly challenged the constitutionality of a tribunal investigating Supreme Court Justice Allan B. Halloway, raising concerns about judicial independence and the rule of law in the country.
The Lawyers’ Society cited Section 137(5)(a) of the Constitution, which stipulates that tribunal members must be “persons qualified to hold or who have held office as a Justice of the Supreme Court.”They argued that Justice AbdulaiMasiyambay Bangura, JSC, who chairs the tribunal, is constitutionally ineligible as a sitting Supreme Court justice.
Additionally, the Society claimed that Francis Gabbidon and Oladipo Robin — Mason, other members of the tribunal, have exceeded the mandatory retirement age and have never served on the Supreme Court, thus not meeting the constitutional criteria.
Justice Halloway was suspended in September 2025 under Section 137(6) of the 1991 Constitution, following advice from the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC). His suspension came after he sent letters alleging human rights violations and interference by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda.
Halloway claimed he was removed from case panels, had allowances withheld, and was sidelined from judicial functions, actions he said compromised his independence and dignity.
On 8 January 2026, President Julius Maada Bio swore in a three-member tribunal to investigate Halloway’s alleged misconduct.
The tribunal is expected to begin proceedings soon, and the government’s response to the Lawyers’ Society’s challenge may have lasting implications for judicial oversight and the rule of law in Sierra Leone.
The situation remains fluid, with the Lawyers’ Society calling on the President to review the appointments to ensure full compliance with the Constitution and safeguard public confidence.
Further details are expected as the tribunal proceeds with its investigation.
