𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐈𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐲.

As reported by the Judiciary, Judge Ansumana Ivan Sesay of the Court of Appeal passed away on December 29, 2024, after a brief illness. The late judge was honoured by the Sierra Leone’s Judiciary with a solemn memorial on January 2, 2025.

The ceremony was attended by the family members of the late judge, the legal community, and other well-wishers. In the opening of the ceremony, the Master and Registrar of the High Court, Elaine Thomas-Archibald, asserts that the solemn and tribute session is in recognition of the invaluable service of the late Hon. Justice Ivan Sesay to the judiciary and the country as a whole. She states that “His death is a monumental loss to the judiciary, the legal community, and the nation.”

“The late Justice Ivan Sesay was an interventionist with a measured character in defence of the rule of law whose death ended 39 years of brotherhood and exceptional friendship and competition both in sports and the law,” said Hon. Justice Adrian Fisher, speaking on behalf of the judges’ bench. He also considered the impact the late judge had on the legal system and his extraordinary career path.

Representing the Law Officer’s’ Department, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Osman Kanu Esq., further emphasized the impact of the loss of the judge on the udiciary. He also highlights tremendous work in the legal profession with a ‘wide range of experience and a deep sense of humanity’ to the judiciary.

In his tribute, the director of Sierra Leone’s Law Society, Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura, characterised the late Justice Sesay as a committed tutor who was dedicated to ensuring students receive the best teaching service. He further described him as “brilliant, generous, unassuming, and a constant motivator and inspiration to many aspiring lawyers.”

Other prolific members of the legal profession were in attendance at the ceremony and shared their heartfelt tributes.

According to the Judiciary, the late Justice Ivan Sesay will be laid to rest today, January 3rd, 2025, in Wusha Village, Rotifunk, Moyamba District.