A 28-year-old man has been remanded in custody by the Magistrate Court in Kenema after appearing before the court to answer allegations involving serious sexual offences against a woman reported to be living with a mental disability.
The case, which has attracted attention within the local community, was heard before Magistrate Hadiru Daboh at Magistrate Court No. 1, where the accused made his initial court appearance. The proceedings marked the beginning of what is expected to be a closely watched legal process as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
According to court documents presented during the hearing, the accused is facing two separate charges under Sierra Leone’s sexual offences laws. Prosecutors allege that the offences involve a vulnerable woman who was reportedly unable to fully protect her interests due to her mental condition.
The first charge relates to rape, contrary to Section 6 of the Sexual Offences Act No. 12 of 2012, as repealed and replaced by Section 2(1) of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 2019. The second charge concerns sexual activity with a person with mental disabilities, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 12 of 2012.
Court records indicate that the alleged offences occurred on 5 May 2026 at Dauda Town in Kenema. Prosecutors claim that the accused unlawfully engaged in sexual intercourse with the woman without her consent. The allegations further suggest that the complainant’s mental condition placed her in a particularly vulnerable position at the time of the incident.
During the hearing, the charges were read and explained before the court. However, no plea was taken from the accused at this stage of the proceedings. The prosecution informed the court that investigations and preparations for the matter are continuing as authorities work to present their evidence.
The case is being prosecuted by Sergeant 4654 Wata Bakarr of the Legal and Justice Department, who is leading the state’s efforts to pursue the matter before the court.
After considering the nature of the allegations and the stage of the proceedings, Magistrate Hadiru Daboh declined to grant bail and ordered that the accused be remanded at the Male Correctional Centre in Kenema pending further hearings.
The decision means that the defendant will remain in custody while the court continues to examine the allegations brought against him. The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and present evidence when the matter resumes.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to 10 June 2026 for further hearing. At that sitting, prosecutors are expected to provide additional details relating to the allegations, while the court will determine the next steps in the judicial process.
As with all criminal proceedings, the accused remains presumed innocent unless and until the allegations are proven beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
