By eric.george@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of the Pademba Road Court No. 1 has issued a firm warning to both prosecution and defense teams: stop wasting the court’s time.
Since assuming his new role at the court, Magistrate Jah has made it clear that he will not tolerate unnecessary delays, particularly during preliminary investigations (PI). Speaking candidly in court, the no-nonsense magistrate said he will accept a maximum of three witnesses per PI case—comprising one official and two factual witnesses.
“I will take at most three witnesses,” he emphasized. “And I’ll take no more than a month to decide if a murder case has enough merit to be committed to the High Court—or thrown out entirely.”
Magistrate Jah took a swipe at legal practitioners who prolong proceedings with irrelevant cross-examinations. “If you keep wasting time on matters that don’t go to the heart of your case, then it’s obvious you have no substance,” he declared.
He reminded lawyers of the fundamental purpose of cross-examination: to test the truthfulness of a witness. “The essence of cross-examination is to test the veracity of evidence. If you keep dancing around the main issue, you’re simply wasting my time,” he said sharply.
The magistrate stressed that his approach aims to foster a respectful and professional relationship between the bench and the bar. “Let’s understand each other. Ask the right questions. I’m open to engaging if you have something meaningful to say.”
Recounting a past decision, Magistrate Jah revealed that he once dismissed an entire murder case due to lack of compelling evidence. He cautioned prosecutors to present strong, well-prepared cases, supported by credible witnesses.
“I discharged a murder matter because the evidence brought before me was weak,” he said. “If you’re representing someone, make sure you fully understand the charges against them. Don’t rely on your witness to remind you.”
Magistrate Jah also expressed concern that some counsels enter courtrooms unprepared, wasting precious time trying to extract basic case details from witnesses. “Know your case. Know your client’s charges. Don’t come here to fumble,” he warned.
Known for his commitment to efficiency, the magistrate assured the court of his strong work ethic. “I complete my tasks today and deliver tomorrow,” he said. “So don’t waste my time—because ultimately, you’re wasting your own.”
He concluded with a call for professional growth and introspection among legal practitioners, citing his reliance on Section 94 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which governs the conduct of court proceedings.
“We all have a mission to grow. Reflect on yourself so that we can better understand each other,” he urged. “Section 94 is my guide in this.” SKS/10/6/2025
