Freetown — May 7, 2025: In a decisive move that could significantly alter the course of a long-running legal battle, the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone has ruled that the High Court must proceed with the manslaughter trial of Ikubolaji Nicol without further delay.
The unanimous decision, delivered within a single day by a panel led by the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, alongside Justices A.M. Bangura and a Court of Appeal Judge, brings to an end the prolonged constitutional challenge filed by Nicol in an attempt to halt proceedings.
Nicol, commonly known as Bola Nicol, is accused of conspiring with others to kill Sinnah Kai Kargbo in October 2022 at Leicester Village in Freetown. He is currently facing a manslaughter charge.
Through his legal team, led by senior lawyer Roland R.V. Wright Esq., Nicol petitioned the Supreme Court to prohibit the High Court from continuing with the case. However, the Court rejected the application and ordered that the matter be reassigned to a new High Court judge who will preside over all outstanding issues.
The State was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Osman Kanu, and his team. The Supreme Court’s ruling is seen as a pivotal moment in the case, ending months of legal delays and procedural uncertainty.
Following the decision, Nicol was returned to the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre, where he remains in custody ahead of his next High Court appearance.
