By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a decision that has sent shockwaves through Sierra Leone’s legal and political circles, President Julius Maada Bio has suspended Supreme Court Judge, Honourable Justice Allan B. Halloway. The suspension, communicated in a letter dated 15 September 2025, was made under Section 137(6) of the 1991 Constitution, acting on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.
This extraordinary step comes only weeks after Justice Halloway authored a public complaint letter in which he accused Chief Justice Komba Kamanda of intimidation and the violation of his fundamental human rights. The allegations, unprecedented in their detail and tone, sparked widespread debate about the internal dynamics of the country’s highest court.
Justice Halloway’s suspension has further heightened tensions within the judiciary and stirred national debate over judicial independence, constitutional order, and the balance of power in Sierra Leone’s democratic system. While the presidency insists the move followed constitutional procedure, critics argue it risks deepening mistrust between the executive and the judiciary.
Legal analysts point out that Section 137 of the Constitution provides for the suspension of judges pending investigations into allegations of misconduct or incapacity. However, they stressed that such measures must be handled transparently to protect the integrity of the judiciary and maintain public confidence in the rule of law.
Civil society organizations have already begun voicing concerns. Some argued that the timing of the suspension, so soon after Halloway’s allegations against the Chief Justice, raises fears of retaliation rather than impartial due process. Others, however, maintain that the president acted within his constitutional mandate and that the decision allows space for a fair investigation to proceed without interference.
Political observers note that the development could have far-reaching implications for governance and democratic accountability. With the judiciary already under scrutiny for delays in high-profile cases, the suspension of a Supreme Court judge risks further eroding trust in state institutions.
As Sierra Leoneans await clarity on the next steps, attention will turn to how the Judicial and Legal Service Commission manages the inquiry into Justice Halloway’s alleged conduct and whether the process strengthens or undermines the principles of judicial independence.
The suspension marks one of the most significant confrontations within the judiciary in recent years, placing Sierra Leone’s commitment to constitutional democracy under an intense spotlight.
