In a shocking move, the Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Kaminty, has come under fire for deliberately defying a court injunction related to a contentious land dispute at Kuntorlor, East of Freetown.
The injunction, issued by Justice Hannah Bonnie in the High Court of the Republic of Sierra Leone, restrained not only the two parties battling in court (Lifeline Nehemiah Projects and Tunde Macathy) Sierra Leoneans from further developing or alienating the disputed land until the matter is resolved.
According to sources, the minister has proceeded with construction on the land, sparking outrage among the community and high profile members with the government. The court’s decision was aimed at maintaining the status quo pending the outcome of the case.
The land in question has been a subject of controversy for several years, with both parties, Lifeline Nehemiah Projects and Tunde Mcarthy, claiming ownership.
According to the injunction slammed by the Honourable Justice Hannah Bonnie dated Friday the 4th day of February 2025, “an order granting Interim Injunction is granted restraining the Defendants whether by themselves, their servants or agents or privies workmen or whosoever called from entering, occupying, remaining or interfering with the land situate, lying and being at Teneba Road, Approved School, Wellington in the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone, as delineated on the survey plan marked LOA 1439 dated the 4th day of November 2020 attached to a Deed of Conveyance dated the 31st December, 2020 and registered at the Office of the Administrator and Registrar-General in Freetown, same to last for seven days. This Order and the Writ of Summons be served on all Defendants herein for inter-parties hearing on the Interlocutory application…”
“The minister’s actions have raised questions about their commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the judiciary’s authority,” a civil society organization said.
A human rights activist, Senesie Amara, condemned the minister’s actions, stating, “this is blatant disregard for the court’s order is a clear indication of the minister’s arrogance and disregard for the law.”
He further expressed concern about the implications of the minister’s actions on the rule of law and the potential consequences for ordinary citizens.
The court’s next move is awaited with interest, as the minister’s actions may be seen as contempt of court. This development has sparked a heated debate about the role of government officials in upholding the law and respecting the judiciary’s authority.
A court injunction is a formal order to stop or refrain from doing something. In this case, it explicitly forbids building on the land to preserve the status quo while a legal dispute is resolved.
