By: Audrey Raymonda John
The third accused person in the ongoing child marriage case, Sallieu Kamara, on Thursday changed his plea and admitted guilt to the second count before Justice Mark Ngegba at the High Court in Freetown.
Kamara, who had earlier withdrawn his guilty plea, pleaded guilty to the second count, which alleges that on 7 May 2026, he consented to the marriage of a minor his biological daughter contrary to Section 3 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024.
The case was prosecuted by State Counsel Yousif Isaac Sesay, together with M.M. Tarawally and A.B. Kargbo. The first accused was represented by M.K. David, the third accused by A.P.P. Koroma, and the fourth accused by P.S. Kamara.
During his address on sentencing, State Counsel Yousif Isaac Sesay informed the court that the convict was the biological father of the victim. He submitted that before the marriage, the child had been living with her uncle, who later took her to her father, Sallieu Kamara, to inform him of the proposed marriage and seek his consent and blessing.
The prosecutor further stated that the convict’s evidence before the court was consistent with the statement he voluntarily gave to the police during investigations. He urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence that would serve as a deterrent to others who may consider committing similar offences.
In mitigation, defence counsel A.P.P. Koroma pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, arguing that his client had no malicious intention towards his daughter. Counsel submitted that the convict acted out of concern for his daughter’s welfare, considering his advanced age and poor health.
Counsel further told the court that the girl introduced the prospective groom to her father and sought his blessing. According to him, the convict believed the man would properly care for his daughter while also providing support for him in his old age. He added that before consenting to the marriage, the convict consulted the girl’s elder sisters.
Defence counsel urged the court to impose the minimum sentence provided under Section 3 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, which prescribes a penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment or a fine of NLe100,000 for the offence.
Addressing the court personally, Kamara pleaded for mercy, citing his age and poor health. He maintained that he never intended to harm his daughter and appealed to the court for leniency.
In delivering his ruling, Justice Mark Ngegba held that the prosecution had established the offence through the convict’s guilty plea. The judge subsequently convicted Sallieu Kamara on the second count and sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment or a fine of NLe100,000, in accordance with the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024.
The matter was adjourned to 22 July 2026 for the continuation of proceedings against the remaining accused persons.