Illegal Court Charge Exposed: Why the Judiciary Is Now Under Fire
By Benjamin S Conteh
Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has accused the Judiciary of Sierra Leone (JoSL) of illegally overcharging court users in violation of the Finance Act 2021.
The matter came to light on Wednesday, 20th August 2025, during a PAC hearing at the New Administrative Building in Parliament. The Judiciary was summoned to respond to findings in the 2023 Auditor General’s Report, which flagged serious financial irregularities.
According to the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), the Judiciary issued notices of motion that carried fees higher than those approved under the Finance Act 2021. As a result, litigants and clients were forced to pay unauthorized charges.
Auditors condemned the practice, warning that it contravenes the law and damages the Judiciary’s reputation. They further alleged that the institution had secretly collaborated with others to siphon state resources.
Committee members expressed dismay, noting that the Judiciary continued to charge unlawful fees despite previous recommendations to align with the Act. The PAC had earlier directed the Master and Registrar to develop and publicly display a service charter outlining the approved fee structure, but follow-up checks revealed no progress.
Responding to queries, Judiciary Senior Finance Officer Mr. Ezekiel Garrick pledged that a service charter would be displayed across all court registries nationwide. However, auditors confirmed that no such charter had been developed or published.
PAC Deputy Chairman, Hon. P.C. Desmond Maheyei Kaigobai, criticized the Judiciary’s conduct, stating that it was unacceptable for an institution tasked with upholding the law to blatantly violate it. Lawmakers stressed that such practices undermine public trust and erode the rule of law.
The Committee ordered the Judiciary to immediately regularize its fee structure, finalize the long-delayed service charter, and ensure it is visibly posted in all court buildings to prevent future audit breaches.
As of now, the issue remains unresolved.
