By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a historic first under Sierra Leone’s new child protection legislation, four men have been arraigned before Hon. Justice Mark Ngegba of the High Court on charges relating to child marriage. The case marks the country’s inaugural prosecution under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, signaling a decisive shift in the enforcement of laws designed to safeguard children from harmful practices.
The courtroom proceedings have been described by legal observers as a watershed moment in Sierra Leone’s justice system, setting the tone for strict enforcement of the ban on child marriage and underscoring the Government’s resolve to hold violators accountable.
The defendants include, Sayo Marrah, Lansana Qura, Salieu Kamara, and Abu Bakarr Kamara.
The Charges include, Contracting Marriage with a Child, Consenting to Child Marriage, and Aiding and Abetting Child Marriage, contrary to Sections 2, 3, and 10 of the Act.
Prosecution Allegations: Sayo Marrah allegedly entered into marriage with a child.
Salieu Kamara, the child’s father, is accused of consenting and participating in the ceremony.
Lansana Qura and Abu Bakarr Kamara are alleged to have facilitated the marriage by organizing the ceremony.
J.A.K. Sesay appeared for the State, while all four defendants were unrepresented when the matter was called.
Justice Ngegba ordered the remand of all four defendants and adjourned the matter to 2 July 2026 for further proceedings.
Legal experts view the prosecution as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s child protection framework, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to implementing the new law and protecting children from exploitation.