According to a press release from the Office of the Chief Justice, and signed by the judicial secretary, Haruna Jaiteh, eight new magistrates have been appointed to the Judiciary.

The full text of the release is published below. Last Monday, three magistrates were sworn in by the Hon Chief Justice at His Lordship's Chambers at the Law Courts, Banjul. Mr Joseph Enwa Ikpala, a Nigerian with twenty-one years post-call experience, was appointed as Principal Magistrate whilst Mr. Hilary Utebi Abeke, a Nigerian and Mr Joseph Agbor Effim, a Cameroonian, were made first class magistrates. Principal Magistrate Ikpala will head Kanifing Magistrates Court and act as trainer. Magistrate Abeke and Effim will be posted after a two-week orientation at Kanifing.

The Judicial Service Commission has also appointed Mr Aleambong Emmanuel Njea, a Cameroonian and former Attorney General's Chambers lawyer, to head the Magistrates Court at Banjul as Principal. Another Principal from Nigeria who is expected soon will head the court at Brikama. The Commission also further appointed three first class magistrates, Mr Charles W Sarr Thomas and two graduates in law from the University of Sierra Leone, Ms Sierrending Sanneh and Mr Ibrahima Kijera. Also appointed as a Class 11 magistrate is a retired Police Commander, Mr Momodou LK Bojang, MRG.

These appointments took effect in August and September. The senior recruitments were made to fill vacancies caused by the recent elevation of four senior magistrates as Judge of the High Court.