Supreme Court Denies Prohibition Orders New Trial for Nicol’s Manslaughter Case

By Mamajah Jalloh

On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone, led by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, delivered a unanimous ruling in the high-profile manslaughter case involving former Sky Bank Manager, Ikubolaji Nicol. The Court has directed the High Court to urgently resume proceedings in the case, under the supervision of a newly appointed judge.

Manslaughter Charge Against Ikubolaji Nicol

Ikubolaji Nicol is facing charges of manslaughter, accused of unlawfully causing the death of Sinnah Kai Kargbo in 2022. The case has been prolonged due to legal delays, but it has now reached the Supreme Court following an application filed by Nicol’s legal team. The application sought to prevent the current judge, Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens, from continuing to preside over the case.

Supreme Court’s Intervention

The application filed by Nicol’s defense team, led by lawyer Roland R.V. Wright, called for the prohibition of Justice Stevens from hearing the case, citing concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. After a one-day hearing, the Supreme Court, in a decisive ruling, directed that the case continue in the High Court, but with a new judge assigned to handle all related matters.

Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, sitting alongside Justice A.M. Bangura and several Court of Appeal judges, emphasized the urgency of moving the trial forward without further procedural delays. The Court’s ruling effectively put an end to the ongoing legal wrangling at the Supreme Court level, and cleared the way for the High Court to proceed with a fresh hearing of the manslaughter case.

The State and Defense Representation

The State was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Osman Kanu, and his legal team, while the defense was led by Roland R.V. Wright and his associates. Both sides were present during the Supreme Court’s hearing, which concluded with the ruling that will allow the case to proceed without further interruptions.

Next Steps in the Case

Following the Supreme Court’s directive, Ikubolaji Nicol has been remanded to the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre, where he will remain until his case is heard by the newly appointed High Court judge. The High Court is expected to resume proceedings in the case as soon as a judge is designated to oversee the trial.

The manslaughter case, which has been marked by significant delays, is now set to move forward with renewed urgency. Both the prosecution and the defense will await the assignment of the new judge, as the case enters a crucial phase in Sierra Leone’s legal system.