By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The High Court Judge for Kenema and Kailahun district, Justice Francis Bans-Kamara has vowed to complete matters brought under his court during his tenure within three months.
He resumed court sitting at the Kenema Judicial High Court on the 4th of December 2023.
Addressing the court on the first proceeding, Justice Bans-Kamara warned the public that anybody who attempts to influence his court in the name of political affiliation will be dealt with according to the law. He added that it was clear that some inmates’ relatives generally attach political interests to cases rather than the charges for which the inmates were arrested.
He also warned all inmates under the high court to be honest with themselves by telling the truth about offences for which they were being brought before the court instead of wasting the precious time of the court, and finding them guilty. He said any inmate who lies to the court and wastes the court’s time will be dealt with.
He reiterated that as judge, he wants to ensure Kenema becomes a free zone for criminal activities, especially during this festive period, and admonished relatives who have to put up with criminals to warn their people immediately. He promised to address ten case files every day to make sure that matters were speedily tried according to the law.
He noted that those in the habit of attempting to bribe for matters in his court would seriously be treated as criminals for perverting justice. He said that judgment will not be influenced on political lines but according to the law and the offence committed, warning the jurors to be mindful when making decisions against felonious matters.
He urged jurors to be attentive and focused on all proceedings since they will be making critical decisions against other people’s lives, saying that posterity will judge them if they do injustice to any case before passing judgment.
Justice Bans-Kamara further admonished those who are hired to give false witness on proceedings, saying he will heavily deal with them if caught and he expects the state counsel and lawyers that have matters in the high court to be regular for proceeding as he will not continue adjourning matters while inmates remain under custody due to negligence on the side of the defence and prosecution team.
He warned all those with cases in the high court to avoid compromising matters that are in court, and advised those in the habit of doing so that they were wasting the state resources and called on all citizens to cooperate with the court proceedings for justice.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (08/12/23)
