Court of Appeal Makes History with Seven Judgments During First-Ever Makeni Sitting

 MAKENI, Bombali District – July 22, 2026 — Sierra Leone's Court of Appeal has marked a major milestone in the country's justice system by delivering seven judgments during its first-ever appellate court sitting in Makeni City, bringing judicial services closer to citizens in the Northern Region.

The historic session, held as part of the Judiciary's decentralisation agenda, was presided over by Honourable Justice Abdulai M. Bangurah of the Supreme Court, alongside Court of Appeal Justices Jamesina J. King, Michael P. Mami and Aiah Simeon Allieu.

Over the course of the week-long sitting, the panel heard several appeals and delivered seven judgments covering a range of civil matters, including divorce cases and land ownership disputes. The Court also heard and granted an urgent application for a stay after considering submissions from counsel.

The Makeni session forms part of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda's vision to decentralise appellate justice by expanding Court of Appeal sittings beyond Freetown, making justice more accessible and affordable for litigants across the country.

The initiative is expected to reduce the financial and logistical burden faced by appellants who would otherwise be required to travel long distances to the capital to pursue their cases.

Following the proceedings, one appellant, who requested anonymity, praised the Judiciary for bringing the Court of Appeal to Makeni, describing the move as a practical demonstration of accessible justice and commending the leadership of Chief Justice Komba Kamanda in advancing judicial reforms.

The Judiciary stated that the week-long exercise was fully funded by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone with support from the Government of Sierra Leone, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the administration of justice and improving public access to the courts nationwide.

The successful Makeni sitting is being viewed as another step in the Judiciary's broader efforts to modernise the justice system and ensure that appellate services are available to citizens regardless of their location.

Source: Judiciary of Sierra Leone