By: Alimatu Kargbo
The High Court of Sierra Leone has commenced hearing an appeal filed by the defence team of popular musician and social media influencer, Zainab Sheriff, challenging her conviction and sentence imposed by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1.
Sheriff was convicted on charges of incitement and using threatening language contrary to Section 3(2) of the Public Order Act, 1965, and sentenced to four years and two months’ imprisonment.
During proceedings before Justice Mark Ngegba of High Court No. 8, Lead State Counsel Ibrahim Tholley Esq. raised a preliminary objection to the appeal, arguing that the defence had failed to comply with the Appeal Rules.
Counsel Tholley submitted that the notice of appeal did not adequately set out the judgment being challenged and therefore failed to meet the procedural requirements governing appeals. He urged the court to invoke Rule 8 of the Appeal Rules and dismiss the appeal at the preliminary stage.
In response, Lead Defence Counsel R. S. Wright Esq. opposed the objection, describing it as premature and lacking legal basis. He argued that Rule 8 serves as a guide and does not require absolute compliance with every statutory provision before an appeal can be entertained.
Wright further contended that determining the admissibility of an appeal falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the court and should not be decided based on prosecutorial objections. He therefore urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection and allow the appeal to proceed.
After listening to submissions from both parties, Justice Ngegba adjourned the matter to June 18, 2026, when he is expected to deliver a ruling on whether the appeal will proceed or be dismissed.
The conviction arose from statements allegedly made by Sheriff during a political rally in January. Prosecutors tendered video evidence which they claimed showed her describing election rigging as “treason” and stating that those responsible “and their families should be killed.
The trial court held that the remarks amounted to incitement and threatening language and subsequently convicted and sentenced her.
The case continues to attract widespread public interest, with many observers closely monitoring its implications for freedom of expression, political speech, and the enforcement of Sierra Leone’s public order laws
