By Josephine Sesay

The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has announced the postponement of its Annual General Meeting (AGM), citing what it describes as unlawful interference by the Sierra Leone Police that prevented members from accessing the meeting venue.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Association’s Directors said the decision to postpone the AGM was made “regrettably” after police officers allegedly blocked members from entering the venue without any lawful justification.

The SLBA strongly condemned the police action, describing it as unconstitutional and a blatant abuse of statutory powers. According to the Association, the intervention took place despite the absence of any court order authorising the police to prevent the meeting from proceeding.

The Directors further disclosed that the disruption has caused the Association significant financial losses, with the costs conservatively estimated at millions of Leones. They stated that these expenses could have been avoided if reasonable measures had been taken to allow the lawful conduct of the meeting.

Reaffirming its legal mandate, the Association emphasised that the management of its affairs remains the exclusive responsibility of its Directors, as provided under Article 19 of the SLBA’s Articles of Association. The leadership also reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting constitutional governance, holding the Government accountable, and protecting the interests and welfare of its members.

The SLBA expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the abrupt postponement and extended a formal apology to its members and invited guests who were affected by the incident.

The Association has not yet announced a new date for the Annual General Meeting but indicated that further information will be communicated to members in due course.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 3rd August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)