Human Rights Defenders Network Raises Alarm Over Police Failure to Execute Court Orders
By Matilda Ajuah Kpaka
The Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone has expressed grave concern over what it describes as the growing and persistent failure of the Sierra Leone Police to execute valid court orders, warning that the trend threatens the rule of law and undermines judicial authority.
Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, March 31st 2026, at Rasmussen street, Brookfields, freetown, the Executive Secretary of the Network, Alphonsus B.M. Gbanie, criticized what he described as the selective enforcement of court orders by the police.
He noted that while the police are legally mandated to assist in enforcing court decisions, there is increasing evidence that officers are choosing which orders to implement and which to delay.
He warned that such practices risk creating the impression that the police are acting as an extension of the judiciary, thereby generating uncertainty and weakening public confidence in the justice system.
Also speaking at the briefing, Human Rights Officer, Rachel Walters, revealed findings from recent monitoring conducted by the Network. According to Walters, more than 25 court orders within the Western Area have been delayed or put on hold by the Sierra Leone Police since January 2025. She stated that these include injunctions, civil rulings, and non-bailable warrants, describing the situation as a serious violation of constitutional principles that may amount to contempt of court. Walters further warned that the failure to enforce c
ourt orders particularly in land and civil disputes is fueling legal uncertainty and encouraging unlawful actions, commonly referred to as “jungle justice.
The Human Rights Defenders Network has called on the Inspector General of Police to take immediate and decisive steps to ensure that all outstanding court orders are executed without further delay.
The Network also urged the Police Council to hold senior police leadership accountable for compliance with court directives, adequate police support for bailiffs and court officials enforcing judgments, the Judicial Council to initiate disciplinary action against officers who fail to implement court orders, the donor and diplomatic community to support civil society efforts in strengthening independent court monitoring initiatives.
The Network concluded by stressing that the rule of law must be upheld at all times, warning that continued failure to enforce court orders could erode public trust and weaken democratic institutions.
The press conference ended with representatives taking questions from the media.
