By: Audrey Raymonda John
Four men have been arraigned before Hon. Justice Mark Ngegba at the High Court sitting in Freetown on charges relating to child marriage, marking Sierra Leone’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 child marriage, 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 a marriage with a child, an act expressly prohibited under the new law. Salieu Kamara, identified as the child’s father, is accused of consenting to the marriage and participating in the ceremony.
The Attorney-General’s Office further alleges that Lansana Qura and Abu Bakarr Kamara facilitated the marriage by assisting in its organisation and ensuring the ceremony was conducted.
J.A.K. Sesay appeared for the State. All four accused persons were not legally represented when the matter was called before the court.
Legal observers have described the case as a significant milestone in the enforcement of Sierra Leone’s child protection framework. It is the first prosecution under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, involving charges of contracting, consenting to, and facilitating a child marriage.
At the end of the proceedings, Justice Ngegba ordered that all four accused persons be remanded in custody. The matter was adjourned to 2 July 2026 for further hearing.
Prosecution is widely seen as a strong indication of the Government’s commitment to enforcing the new legislation, protecting children from harmful traditional practices, and ensuring accountability for those who violate the law.