By Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown, 10th June, 2026- The High Court of Sierra Leone has begun hearing the appeal filed by the defence team of Zainab Sheriff, challenging her conviction and sentence handed down earlier this year by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Magistrate Court No. 1. Sheriff was sentenced to four years and two months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of incitement and using threatening language under Section 3(2) of the Public Order Act, 1965.
At the hearing before Justice Mark Ngegba of High Court No. 8, Lead Prosecution Counsel Ibrahim Tholley Esq. raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the Defence had failed to comply with the Appeal Rules. Tholley submitted that the Defence did not adequately set out or explain the judgment under challenge, stressing that appeals must strictly adhere to procedural requirements. He urged the court to invoke Rule 8 of the Appeal Rules and dismiss the application.
Lead Defence Counsel R. S. Wright Esq. countered that the objection was premature. He argued that Rule 8 provides guidance but does not impose absolute compliance with every statutory provision. Wright further contended that the Prosecution’s objection lacked legislative foundation, insisting that admissibility of appeals is a matter for judicial determination, not prosecutorial discretion.
After hearing both sides, Justice Ngegba adjourned the matter to June 18, 2026, when he is expected to rule on whether the appeal will proceed or be dismissed at the preliminary stage.
Sheriff’s conviction stemmed from remarks made at a political rally in January, where prosecutors presented video evidence alleging she called election rigging “treason” and said those responsible “and their families should be killed.” The court found the statements amounted to incitement and threatening language.
Her case has drawn significant public attention, with observers noting its implications for freedom of expression, political speech, and the application of Sierra Leone’s public order laws.
