Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice has ordered that no execution of court processes or arrests be carried out by the Undersheriff’s Office without his prior approval, according to an internal judicial memorandum.
The directive, dated July 14 and signed by Deputy Master and Registrar Haimatu F. Christian-Moses, was addressed to the Deputy Undersheriff.
“I am directed by the Honourable Chief Justice to inform you that no execution or arrest shall be done by the Undersheriff’s Office without his approval,” the memo said.
It warned that failure to comply with the directive would attract “serious consequences”, but did not specify the nature of any disciplinary measures.
The memorandum did not explain the reasons for the new requirement or say whether it was a temporary administrative measure or a permanent change in court procedures.
The order marks a shift from an earlier directive issued in 2025, which required the Undersheriff’s Office to obtain the approval of supervising judges before executing court processes. The latest instruction places that authority directly with the Chief Justice.
