By: Audrey Raymonda John
Abubakarr Jalloh has been sentenced to seventy-five (75) years imprisonment by Justice Simeon Allieu of the High Court after pleading guilty to one of two charges arising from the brutal abuse of his grandson, Mustapha Kanu, which resulted in the amputation of both child’s forearms.
Jalloh was arraigned on a two-count indictment of Causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent to Disable, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and Child Torture, contrary to Section 19 of the Child Rights Act 2025. According to the particulars of offence, on 12 February 2026, Jalloh inflicted severe injuries on the hands of Mustapha Kanu with the intention of disabling him. The prosecution further alleged that on the same date, he subjected the child to physical violence which ultimately led to the amputation of both forearms.
When the charges were read and explained, Jalloh pleaded guilty to Count One but not guilty to Count Two. State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay informed the court that the prosecution would not proceed with Count Two, noting that the accused had already become a convict following his guilty plea. Justice Allieu therefore discharged him on Count Two.
Before sentencing, Jalloh pleaded for mercy and apologized to his daughter, grandson, and son-in-law, admitting that he had wronged them. He told the court that the tragic outcome was never his intention.
“I want to plead to my daughter, my grandson and his father because I have wronged them. That was not my intention, and I was not expecting this outcome. Since it has happened that way, I am begging them for forgiveness. The whole nation knows about this matter, so I am pleading before the entire court,” he said.
Justice Allieu, however, emphasized the gravity of the offence. He noted that as a grandfather, Jalloh was expected to provide care and protection but instead inflicted life-altering injuries on the child. The judge described the act as inhumane and shocking, stressing that the victim would never again make use of his hands and would depend on others for the rest of his life.
“Such assistance is not always forthcoming in our society,” Justice Allieu remarked, adding that a strong precedent was necessary to deter similar acts of wickedness against vulnerable children.
Consequently, Justice Allieu sentenced Jalloh to seventy-five (75) years imprisonment on Count One. He was discharged on Count Two.
Following the sentencing, State Prosecutor Sesay highlighted the need for continuous care and rehabilitation for the child victim, Mustapha. He warned that while public sympathy was evident during the proceedings, there was a risk the child could be forgotten once the case concluded. He urged the court to recommend support from government ministries, agencies, and child welfare organizations. Justice Allieu acknowledged these concerns but explained that the court could not issue binding orders compelling ministries to act. He expressed hope that the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, well-wishers, and charitable organizations would take responsibility for ensuring the child’s lifelong care and support.