Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has discharged APC lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK) from his contempt of court offence after he spent five days in detention. The decision followed an apology by Kamara to the Chief Justice and the retraction of his earlier remarks, with members of the bench also joining in the apology.

Kamara was committed for contempt following an exchange with the Chief Justice during the October 7 hearing on the disputed passage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025, when he said the judge had “raised his hands too quickly.” The Chief Justice responded that the Supreme Court was “not a political theatre.”

At the following hearing on Thursday, October 8, the Chief Justice asked Kamara to apologise. Although Kamara did so, the Chief Justice found the apology inadequate and ruled him in contempt of court. He ordered Kamara to remove his wig and enter the dock, after which police escorted him into detention, where he spent five days.

In his subsequent apology, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara said, “My Lord, I speak from my heart and I sincerely apologize.”

In discharging Kamara, Chief Justice Kamanda called for respect for the authority of the Supreme Court, reminding lawyers that they are “ministers of justice” who owe a duty to the court. He also urged legal practitioners to control their sentiments in court, warning that statements made publicly could undermine the administration of justice.

The Chief Justice said the court was determined to handle the constitutional matter expeditiously, with the speed and accuracy it demands, while balancing justice with mercy.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 19th October 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)