By: Audrey Raymonda John
High Court Judge Adrian Fisher sentenced Mohamed Lamin Fofanah to 18 years’ imprisonment on June 20, 2025, after convicting the former solicitor’s clerk of raping an 18-year-old deaf and mute woman. The sentence includes credit for time already served in remand.
Justice Fisher emphasized the severity of Fofanah’s exploitation of the victim’s disability: “You took advantage knowing she couldn’t report the assault. Yet God intervened – her sister caught you red-handed.” The judge noted Fofanah’s not-guilty plea forced the victim and her sister to endure traumatic testimony and cross-examination.
Evidence revealed Fofanah, a neighbor who regularly fetched water for the victim’s aunt, attacked the young woman on October 11, 2023. Despite her resistance, he overpowered the virgin victim in her home. Her younger sister discovered him mid-assault after forcing open the door.
“The amended Sexual Offences Act mandates a 15-year minimum,” Justice Fisher stated, rejecting defense pleas for leniency. “Given the victim’s profound vulnerability and how you’ve shattered her life, the minimum sentence is inadequate.” He imposed 18 years minus remand time after considering mitigation arguments.
During sentencing, Fofanah begged for mercy, citing his unemployed wife and one-year-old son’s dependence on him. Defense counsel Salieu Randy Bangura (Legal Aid Board) highlighted Fofanah’s two years on remand and previous work as a law clerk, requesting discharge or minimum sentencing.
Prosecutor Musa Pious Sesay Jr. pushed for maximum punishment, stressing the victim’s defencelessness. Medical examination at the Rainbo Centre confirmed the rape after police investigation.