Defence Challenges Composition of Justice Holloway Tribunal Panel
Proceedings before the Tribunal established to investigate the conduct of Justice Baami Holloway took a significant turn on Monday, as the defence formally challenged the composition of the panel.
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Abdulai Bangurah, disclosed during the sitting that the defence had filed an application objecting to the makeup of the Tribunal. Justice Bangurah, a Judge of the Supreme Court, presides over the panel alongside seasoned legal practitioners Robin Mason and Francis Gabidon.
The matter was heard at the Law Courts Building on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown.
Addressing counsel in court, Justice Bangurah informed the prosecution team, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Osman Kanu, that the Tribunal had received the defence application on Friday. The application, filed by lead defence counsel Sulaiman Bejan Tejansie, raises objections regarding the composition of the Tribunal panel and calls for a formal response.
In response, the prosecution appealed for adequate time to review the application and prepare a reply. The panel granted the request and adjourned proceedings to Thursday, 19 February 2025.
The hearing was conducted in a calm and orderly atmosphere, with members of the Tribunal, prosecution and defence counsel arriving ahead of the scheduled 1:00 p.m. sitting. Justice Holloway was present in court, accompanied by a relative and several junior lawyers. Members of the media and a few members of the public were also in attendance.
The Tribunal was constituted pursuant to Section 137 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, following a directive issued by President Julius Maada Bio on 15 September 2025. The directive led to Justice Holloway’s interdiction by the Judicial Service Commission pending investigation.
Justice Holloway was suspended from his position as a Judge of the Superior Court of Judicature in September 2025, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings instituted to probe allegations concerning his conduct.
Further developments are expected when the matter resumes on the adjourned date.
