Freetown — Emmanuel M. Kamara Esq, a legal practitioner with Gbanthk’die Chambers, has issued a formal statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding his donation of three light bulbs to Magistrate Court No. 8 on Pademba Road.
In the statement published on Tuesday, Kamara emphasised that the contribution was made in his capacity as an officer of the court and was not intended as a public relations exercise or to cast the Judiciary in an unfavourable light.
“It was not intended to embarrass anyone or to bring the administration of justice into disrepute,” he said.
Kamara further noted that he neither solicited nor encouraged media coverage of the donation.
He expressed regret over the publicity the matter has received and tendered an apology to the Honourable Chief Justice, the Judiciary, and all parties who were inadvertently placed in the spotlight.
The lawyer reaffirmed his confidence in the institution, stating that the Judiciary remains a competent body well-equipped to manage its affairs.
He added that, under the leadership of the current Chief Justice, the Judiciary continues to fulfil its mandate and potential.
The donation was prompted by observed deficiencies in the courtroom’s lighting system. With the approval of presiding Magistrate Adama Jalloh, Kamara announced the gesture in open court. It was not his first such contribution; he had previously donated a ceiling fan to improve conditions in another courtroom.
The episode attracted considerable public and media attention, highlighting broader discussions on infrastructure challenges within Sierra Leone’s court system.
Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, who assumed office in 2025, has prioritised initiatives aimed at enhancing judicial efficiency, integrity, and independence.
Kamara’s clarification seeks to underscore the professional intent behind his actions and to mitigate any unintended perceptions arising from the public discourse.
