By: Audrey Raymonda John
The High Court of Sierra Leone, sitting in Freetown, has issued a bench warrant for Abu Sesay after he failed to appear in court to answer to serious sexual offence charges.
According to court records dated 8 September 2025, the accused is facing two counts under the Sexual Offences Act 2012, as amended.
Count One alleges that on 30 May 2025, in Freetown, the accused met a 9-year-old child, Mariama Jaward, with sexual intent, contrary to Section 23(1)(a) of the Act.
Count Two further alleges that on the same date and at the same location, Abu Sesay engaged in sexual penetration with the child, contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act 2012, as amended in 2019.
During the proceedings, State Prosecutor R.B. Harleston informed the court that the accused had repeatedly failed to appear, prompting an application for a bench warrant.
Presiding Judge Mustapha Mohamed Bawoh granted the application and ordered that the accused be apprehended wherever he is found. The court further directed that anyone with information on his whereabouts, including members of the public should report immediately to the police.