In a recent court ruling, the Court of Appeal Judge, Hon. Justice Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens, presiding over cases at the General Civil Division of the High Court, has ordered Radio Democracy FM 98.1 and their staff, Alex Lawrence Koroma, to issue a retraction and a profuse apology to the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, for airing slanderous and defamatory statements on May 23, 2023.
During their “Gud Morning Salone Program,” Radio Democracy had reported allegations that the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Fayia Sellu, was intimidating and abusing his power to exploit underprivileged individuals in Lebbie Village, Sussex, Freetown.
The broadcast further claimed that the Inspector General used OSD personnel to harass and intimidate community members over land disputes, allegedly ordering the arrest and detention of an individual named Samuel Mathew Kargbo.
Responding to the allegations, on June 2, 2023, the Inspector General of Police, represented by his lawyer Demba Barrie, filed a legal action against Radio Democracy FM 98.1 and Alex Lawrence Koroma as the first and second defendants, respectively.
In the court proceedings, Justice Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens noted that Radio Democracy and Alex Lawrence Koroma were properly served with the Writ of Summons, as evidenced by the exhibits. Despite being served, the defendants failed to file a defense within the stipulated timeframe, effectively admitting to the claims made in the plaintiff’s Writ of Summons.
After careful consideration of the arguments presented, the judge found in favor of the Inspector General of Police.
He commended the Inspector General for upholding the rule of law and respecting the human rights of citizens throughout the legal process.
Consequently, the Court of Appeal Judge entered a final judgment against Radio Democracy FM 98.1 and Alex Lawrence Koroma.
The judgment includes orders for damages against both defendants for the slanderous broadcast, an injunction to prevent further broadcasting of defamatory statements, and a requirement for the defendants to issue a formal apology on the same radio station to restore the Inspector General’s reputation.
Additionally, the judge directed the counsel for the plaintiff to file a separate Notice of Motion for the assessment of damages after the High Court vacation in October 2023. The costs of the legal proceedings will be taxed if not agreed upon by the parties involved.
This landmark ruling emphasizes the importance of responsible journalism and the consequences of disseminating defamatory content on public platforms.
