20-Year and 30-Year Sentences for Sexual Offences, Drug Trafficking

The High Court of Sierra Leone, sitting in Port Loko and presided over by the Honourable Justice Sahr Elogima Kekura, has delivered substantial custodial sentences in two separate criminal proceedings concerning serious sexual offences and drug trafficking.

In the first case, Abdul Kamara received a 20-year term of imprisonment following his admission of guilt to three counts of sexual offences against a minor. The charges included sexual penetration of a child, sexual touching, and meeting a child for sexual purposes, all violations of the Sexual Offences Act 2012, as amended. The offences were committed between October 16th and 23rd, 2025, in Rotifunk, Lungi, within the Port Loko District.

Kamara entered a guilty plea to all charges and offered a plea in mitigation expressing remorse and promising future law-abiding conduct, requesting the court's leniency.

Hon. Justice Kekura acknowledged the guilty plea but underscored the gravity of the crimes, determining that a significant custodial sentence was necessary to serve as a deterrent. The judge ruled, "Considering your plea and the gravity of the offences, I hereby sentence you to 20 years for sexual penetration, five years for sexual touching, and five years for meeting a child for sexual purposes. These sentences will run concurrently."

In a distinct matter, Hon. Justice Kekura imposed a 30-year sentence on Sama Koroma after she pleaded guilty to drug-related offences. Koroma faced two counts: unlawful possession of cannabis and selling prohibited drugs. The prosecution presented evidence that on November 7th, 2025, at Door Area in Marampa Chiefdom, the accused was found in possession of dried cannabis leaves and was apprehended selling 123.4 grams of cannabis sativa without lawful authorisation.

Defence counsel, M. Korie Esq. and T.P.M. Sowa Esq., requested leniency for their client, citing her prompt guilty plea and cooperation with authorities. However, the judge emphasised the significant threat posed by drug trafficking to national security and societal wellbeing, imposing a sentence that reflected the severity of the offences.

Hon. Justice Kekura stated, "Drug trafficking destroys lives and communities, and those involved must be held accountable. While I recognise your early plea, the seriousness of these offences warrants a strong sentence."