Kamarainba Rejects“Unlawful” High Court Ruling
Former opposition politician Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray has rejected a recent High Court ruling against him, describing it as unlawful, unconstitutional, and in breach of international standards of justice.
On July 30, 2025, Justice A.T. Ganda (JA) of the High Court’s General Civil Division ruled in favor of businessman Kobi Walker in a defamation case. The judgment awarded damages of NLe 250,000 and imposed a perpetual injunction against Kamarainba.
In a statement issued from the United States, where he currently resides, Kamarainba said he was never served with a summons, was not notified of the proceedings, and was not represented in court. He added that his U.S. address was not included in the case file and no attempt was made to serve him as required by law.
“This judgment is not only illegal; it is a travesty of justice. It violates the foundation of fair hearing enshrined in our Constitution, in ECOWAS protocols, and in universal human rights law. No one can lawfully be tried in absentia without proper service or representation in a civil matter,” he said.
Under Sierra Leonean law, a defendant must be personally served with a summons. If the defendant resides abroad, the plaintiff must obtain leave of court to serve outside the jurisdiction. Kamarainba insists these procedures were ignored.
He pointed to Section 23 of the 1991 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing, and said the ruling also contravenes the principle of audi alteram partem — the right to be heard.
Kamarainba further expressed concern that Sierra Leone’s judiciary is being influenced by political and business interests, undermining public confidence in the courts.
“The judiciary should serve justice, not personal or political vendettas,” he said.
He warned that the ruling risks damaging Sierra Leone’s reputation internationally, and has circulated his statement to media houses, diplomatic missions, and international organizations.