By Fatima Kpaka
The High Court in Freetown has sentenced Sallieu Kamara to 15 years’ imprisonment or a fine of NLe100,000 after he admitted to consenting to the marriage of his underage daughter, in violation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024.
Kamara, the third accused in the ongoing trial, changed his plea on Thursday and admitted guilt to the second count, which alleged that on 7 May 2026 he consented to the marriage of his biological daughter, a minor. The case is being presided over by Justice Mark Ngegba.
State Counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay, assisted by M.M. Tarawally and A.B. Kargbo, prosecuted the matter. Defence counsel A.P.P. Koroma represented Kamara, while other accused persons were represented separately.
In his sentencing address, State Counsel Sesay emphasized that Kamara’s guilty plea and prior police statement confirmed his role in the offence. He urged the court to impose a punishment that would deter others from engaging in similar acts.
Defence counsel Koroma, however, pleaded for leniency, citing Kamara’s advanced age and poor health. He argued that the father acted without malice, believing the prospective groom would care for his daughter and support him in his old age. Koroma further noted that Kamara consulted the girl’s elder sisters before consenting to the marriage.
Kamara himself appealed for mercy, insisting he never intended harm to his daughter. But Justice Ngegba ruled that the offence had been established and imposed the statutory sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment or a fine of NLe100,000.
The case has been adjourned to 22 July 2026 for the continuation of proceedings against the remaining accused persons.