JFK Ordered to Remove Wig and Face Dock After Supreme Court Clash
A tense confrontation at Sierra Leone’s Supreme Court ended Thursday with All People's Congress (APC) counsel Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara—widely known as JFK—ordered to remove his wig and proceed to the dock after Chief Justice Komba Kamanda rejected his apology.
The dispute centered on remarks reportedly made by Kamara during Wednesday’s constitutional hearing. The Chief Justice characterized the statements as “terribly derogatory” to the Court’s personality and integrity, offering the lawyer a choice: issue a public apology or face potential contempt proceedings and restrictions on appearing before the bench.
“The choice is yours,” the Chief Justice told him.
Kamara stated that he understood the Court’s concerns but maintained that his duties extended beyond representing his client to serving the State and the nation. He emphasized that the constitutional questions before the Court were of national significance and that his intention was to defend the Constitution rather than pursue personal or political interests.
Following a 15-minute recess, Kamara was asked to stand and repeat his apology. Although he apologized and retracted his earlier statement, Chief Justice Kamanda ruled that the delivery fell short of an acceptable apology.
The Chief Justice then ordered Kamara to remove his wig and proceed to the dock. Police officers were called into the courtroom to escort him.
As he was being led away, Kamara turned to members of the Bar and said: “Members of the Bar, I will be back.”
Senior counsel, including Sulaiman Borbor Kabba, sought an audience with the Chief Justice on Kamara’s behalf, but their request was declined. The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice also appealed for a recess to discuss the matter in chambers.
The confrontation followed Wednesday’s session, during which Kamara challenged documents filed by the Attorney-General’s Office, arguing that key procedural filings—including a Statement of Case—were missing. The disagreement escalated after the Chief Justice took issue with remarks attributed to counsel, stressing that the Supreme Court operates on principles of independence and integrity rather than politics.
The Court reiterated that the confrontation was unnecessary and emphasized that its authority and institutional integrity must be upheld. Meanwhile, Kamara maintained that the constitutional matters ought to be resolved through due process and in the public interest.
The exchange marks a dramatic turn in ongoing proceedings surrounding the interpretation and application of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution.
The matter was adjourned to Tuesday, October 13, 2026, for further proceedings.
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