Chief Justice Tightens Oversight on Undersheriff’s Office

Chief Justice Tightens Oversight on Undersheriff’s Office

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has implemented a new directive requiring the Undersheriff’s Office to secure explicit approval from the Chief Justice before executing any court orders or conducting arrests.

This mandate was formally issued in a memo dated 14 July 2026, communicated by the Deputy Master and Registrar of the High Court, Hulaimatu F. Christian-Moses, to the Deputy Undersheriff. 

The instruction is absolute, stating that "no execution or arrest shall be done by the Undersheriff’s Office without His approval." Non-compliance with this directive carries the risk of serious repercussions.

While the memo does not cite specific reasons for this policy shift, the decision marks a significant increase in the Chief Justice’s direct supervision of judicial enforcement. The directive is widely viewed as part of an ongoing initiative to reinforce accountability, ensure strict adherence to established court procedures, and bolster public confidence in the judicial system.

By requiring senior-level authorization, the Judiciary aims to provide greater oversight on the execution of enforcement actions, ensuring that all such processes align with the court’s rigorous standards.