By Fatima Kpaka
The tribunal investigating allegations against Justice Alan B. Halloway resumed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with heated exchanges over the constitutionality of his suspension and the process that led to the panel’s formation.
The three-member tribunal, chaired by Supreme Court Judge Justice Abdulai Bangurah and supported by Lawyer Robins Mason and Francis Gabidon, was constituted under Section 137 of Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution. It followed a directive issued by President Julius Maada Bio on September 15, 2025, which led to Justice Halloway’s interdiction by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC).
Justice Halloway was suspended from his position as a Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature in September 2025, pending disciplinary proceedings into allegations concerning his conduct.
During Thursday’s sitting, Defence Counsel Sulaiman Banja Tejan-Sie argued that the tribunal’s formation was unconstitutional, claiming his client was never informed of a disciplinary hearing nor given the opportunity to defend himself before suspension. He described the process as procedurally flawed and prejudicial.
The defence further alleged bias in the JLSC’s September 2025 meeting, pointing to the dual role of the Chief Justice as both complainant and Commission Chair. Counsel referenced correspondence from Justice Reginald Finn to the President, warning against the tribunal’s establishment due to concerns over fairness.
State Counsel J.A.K. Sesay countered that the Commission acted within its constitutional mandate, holding extensive discussions and reaching decisions through majority voting. He cited records alleging that Justice Halloway had made grave statements suggesting he would “misbehave until the Chief Justice resigns,” which, according to the State, justified the Commission’s actions.
In reply, Defence Counsel insisted that the tribunal must determine whether the process complied with Section 137(5) and (6) of the Constitution, stressing that the suspension appeared to precede the tribunal’s establishment, raising constitutional concerns.
After hearing both sides, the tribunal adjourned proceedings to Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for continuation.