FREETOWN – The Opposition in Parliament has called on the Supreme Court to reconsider the continued detention of senior lawyer and APC flagbearer aspirant Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Esq. (JFK) and order his release.
In a press release issued on Friday, 10th October 2026 and signed by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, the Opposition said it is deeply concerned over JFK’s detention following an altercation with the Chief Justice during a Supreme Court hearing on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025.
“We respectfully call on the Supreme Court to reconsider his continued detention, give due consideration to the apology he tendered, and order his release,” the statement said.
JFK, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice and former ACC Commissioner, was reportedly ordered detained for contempt of court during heated arguments in the ongoing constitutional amendment challenge. He is part of the legal team representing plaintiffs challenging the Amendment Bill 2025, which seeks to amend key provisions of the 1991 Constitution – a matter now considered one of the most sensitive political cases ahead of the 2028 elections.
The Opposition said while it recognizes the authority of the courts and the obligation of lawyers to conduct themselves respectfully, lawyers must also be able to discharge their professional duties with independence and represent their clients firmly within the bounds of the law.
“Upholding both principles is essential to the fair administration of justice,” Hon. Kargbo stated.
The Opposition believes the matter can be resolved in a way that preserves the dignity of the Court, protects the proper role of counsel, and allows attention to return to the substantive constitutional questions before the Supreme Court.
“Those questions carry profound implications for constitutional governance and democratic accountability in Sierra Leone. They deserve careful, impartial consideration, with all parties afforded a fair opportunity to present their arguments,” the release added.
It also called on the public to remain calm, express concerns peacefully, and allow a fair and timely resolution of the matter.
The statement reaffirmed the Opposition’s commitment to judicial independence, the rule of law and constitutional governance.
The call by the Parliamentary Opposition follows a similar joint statement on Thursday by all eight APC flagbearer aspirants, who also demanded JFK’s immediate release and urged restraint to avoid deepening the political divide.
The Judiciary is yet to issue a formal statement on JFK’s status, and it remains unclear whether his apology has been formally accepted by the court.
