By Janet A Sesay
Four men have been arraigned before Hon. Justice Mark Ngegba of the High Court holden in Freetown on charges relating to child marriage, marking the country’s first prosecution under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024.
The Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice instituted criminal proceedings against Sayo Marrah, Lansana Qura, Salieu Kamara, and Abu Bakarr Kamara, who are facing charges of 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.
According to the prosecution, Sayo Marrah allegedly entered into a marriage with a child, an act expressly prohibited under the law. Salieu Kamara, identified as the child’s father, is accused of consenting to the marriage and participating in the marriage ceremony.
The Attorney-General’s Office further alleges that Lansana Qura and Abu Bakarr Kamara played active roles in facilitating the child marriage by helping to organize and ensure that the ceremony was conducted.
J.A.K. Sesay appeared for the State. All four defendants were not legally represented when the matter was called before the court.
Legal observers have described the matter as a significant milestone in the enforcement of Sierra Leone’s child protection laws. The case represents the first time criminal charges have been brought for contracting, consenting to, and facilitating a child marriage under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024.
At the end of the proceedings, Justice Ngegba remanded all four defendants and adjourned the matter to a date in 2026 for further proceedings.
The prosecution is widely viewed as a strong indication of the Government’s commitment to implementing the new law, protecting children from harmful traditional practices, and ensuring that persons who violate the legislation are held accountable before the courts.
Hon. Justice Ngagba adjourned the matter to the 2nd of July 2026 for further proceedings.