President Julius Maada Bio has suspended Honourable Justice Allan B. Halloway of the Superior Court of Judicature, pending a disciplinary investigation into his conduct.
The suspension, announced in a letter dated September 15, 2025, was conveyed by Barba B. Fortune, Secretary to the President, acting on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC). The commission, which met on September 5, recommended the measure in line with Section 137(6) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone. “The President hereby suspends you as Judge of the Superior Court of Judicature with immediate effect until the outcome of a Disciplinary Tribunal instituted to investigate your conduct,” the letter stated. Confirming the suspension, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, writing on behalf of the JLSC, declared that Justice Halloway had been interdicted as of September 2025.
The suspension follows closely on the heels of a strongly worded letter from Justice Halloway in which he accused Chief Justice Komba Kamanda of intimidation and violations of his human rights — allegations that have stirred debate about internal accountability and cast a spotlight on the integrity of the country’s judiciary. While the letter from State House confirms the suspension, the specific allegations against Justice Halloway have not yet been made public. Legal analysts say the secrecy surrounding the case raises questions about transparency in disciplinary procedures involving senior members of the judiciary. One constitutional lawyer, who asked not to be named, noted, “On one hand, it shows that judges are not above accountability. On the other hand, without clarity on the allegations, the public may see this as political interference rather than a matter of discipline.”
Observers warn that any perception of political influence in the judiciary could further erode public confidence in an institution that has faced growing scrutiny over independence and integrity.
Justice Halloway and his representatives are yet to issue any public statement regarding the suspension or the disciplinary proceedings. The tribunal’s findings will determine whether he returns to the bench or is permanently removed — a decision that could set a precedent for how judicial accountability is handled in Sierra Leone.
