By: Isatou Sarr
Justice Sonia Akinbiyi of the High Court Annex on Tuesday 9th June 2026 ordered that a civil case file be remitted to the Central Registry of the Judiciary after recusing herself from the matter.
The civil suit was filed by Momodou Lamin Jarju, also known as Rongo, on his own behalf and as representative of family members, including those listed in Annex M.
The defendants are Isatou Sisawo (1st defendant), Ebrima Jaiteh (2nd defendant), Alieu Jabbie (3rd defendant), and Ally Owens.
In her ruling, Justice Akinbiyi noted that an application for her recusal had been made on grounds she described as “frivolity, irresponsibility, mischief and baseless assumptions,” adding that the application was based on matters unrelated to the case before her.
She described the application as manipulative and said it undermined the administration of justice.
However, the judge stated that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
She added that where a party expresses discomfort with the court handling a matter, even on unsubstantiated grounds, the interests of justice may require the court to step aside.
“I hereby recuse and remit this case file to the Central Registry of the Judiciary for necessary action,” she ruled.