By: Audrey Raymonda John
Thirty-eight-year-old Musa Turay, a former teacher at St. Joseph Secondary School, appeared before Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens at the NASSIT Court on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown. He faces charges of sexual penetration involving two victims, aged 12 and 14. The case involves two separate charges related to the same offences.
Turay is charged with two counts: sexual penetration contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012, Act No. 12 of 2012, as amended by Section 4(a)(iii) of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 2019, Act No. 8 of 2019. He is also charged with sexual abuse by a person in trust, contrary to Section 21(1)(a) of the Sexual Offences Act 2012.
According to the indictment, Turay allegedly engaged in sexual penetration with one of the victims between February 1, 2024, and March 14, 2024, in Freetown. The second charge states that, as a person in a position of trust, Turay engaged in sexual penetration with the child on the same date and location.
When the charges were read in court, Turay pleaded not guilty to both counts.
During cross-examination, State Prosecutor Musa Pious Sesay Jr. questioned Turay about his relationship with the victims. The prosecutor asked if the victim was one of his pupils, and Turay confirmed that she was. He then inquired if there was any malice between Turay and the victim. Turay denied any malice and stated that the victim had not lied during her testimony, calling the allegations a “blatant lie.”
The prosecutor further asked whether there had been any meetings or communication between Turay and the victim outside of school hours. Turay denied this, explaining that he had given his phone number to students for private classes, but only when their parents were interested. He also confirmed that his phone number, 078486465, was indeed his.
When asked about his mobile phone, Turay confirmed it had been seized by the CID Cyber Unit, and was held for three months. The prosecutor asked if Turay was aware that his phone had been searched, and Turay admitted he was not aware.
The prosecutor pointed out that, despite Turay’s claim of no communication with the victim, his number was found on the victim’s phone during the search. Turay stated that he was not surprised because he frequently received calls and messages on his phone from various people.
Turay was also asked about the possibility of being involved in a syndicate. He denied that the victim was part of any syndicate, stating that no such involvement existed.
In addition, Turay confirmed he was married and had four children, although his family resides outside the jurisdiction. He also confirmed that one of his children attended an international school.
Justice Stevens refused to grant bail due to the seriousness of the charges. The case was adjourned to March 12, 2025, for further proceedings.