By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
In a landmark ruling that underscores the legal profession’s commitment to integrity, the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council (GLC) has recommended the permanent removal of lawyer Mohamed Kroma from the Roll of Court and Bar in Sierra Leone, citing “unprofessional, dishonorable, and unworthy” conduct in a house purchase transaction.
The decision, formalized on November 24, 2025, by Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq., Secretary of the GLC and its Disciplinary Committee, comes after a series of hearings led by Supreme Court Justice Hon. Justice Bintu Alhadi that began four months ago.
Mr. Kroma, who was admitted to the Sierra Leone Bar on October 29, 2010, and officially signed the Roll of Court on March 5, 2012, was found guilty of mishandling substantial client funds meant for the purchase of a house for Mrs. Margaret Morenikeh John. The Disciplinary Committee discovered that Kroma not only failed to complete the transaction but also failed to account for the funds entrusted to him. Additionally, he fraudulently withdrew more money from the client’s bank account without authorization.
Despite being duly notified of the complaint and hearing schedule, Mr. Kroma did not file an opposing affidavit nor attend any hearings. The Committee noted that the initial hearing had been postponed at his request, yet he failed to appear for subsequent sessions.
In its ruling, the Committee stated, “Having considered all of the above, the Committee finds that the Respondent, Mr. Mohamed Kroma, has committed acts amounting to unprofessional, dishonorable and unworthy conduct under Section 27(4) and Section 38(1)(iii) of the Legal Practitioners Act No. 15 of 2000 and under Rules 2, 3, and 37 of the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules, 2010.”
The recommendations from the Committee include:
- Immediate removal of Mohamed Kroma’s name from the Roll of Court, with the right to appeal.
- An order for Kroma to repay Mrs. Margaret Morenikeh John the sum of $36,055, along with 12% annual interest from the date of loss until full repayment.
The ruling emphasizes that the repayment order remains valid irrespective of any appeal lodged by Kroma against the stricken status.
The General Legal Council reiterated its dedication to maintaining the integrity and dignity of the legal profession, warning that any violation of professional ethics will face disciplinary actions as prescribed by law.
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