Child Marriage Offender Faces 15 Years or NLe50,000 Fine in Landmark Case

In a historic judicial development, Justice Mark Ngegba has sentenced Lansana Qura to 15 years in prison or a fine of NLe50,000 following a guilty plea in the country’s first prosecution under the 2024 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, represents a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s legislative campaign to eradicate child marriage.

The Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice brought forward the case against four individuals: Sayo Marrah, Lansana Qura, Salieu Kamara, and Abu Bakarr Kamara. The group faced multiple counts related to the illegal practice, specifically:

1. Contracting Marriage with a Child (Section 2)

2. Consenting to Child Marriage (Section 3)

3. Aiding and Abetting Child Marriage (Section 10)

Lansana Qura, identified as an organizer and facilitator of the ceremony, admitted guilt and requested leniency from the court. Despite his plea for mercy, the landmark sentence was imposed to reflect the gravity of the new legislation. 

The remaining three defendants, including the first defendant Sayo Marrah and the child’s father Salieu Kamara, have pleaded not guilty. They have been remanded at the Male Correctional Centre as the trial continues. The court has adjourned further proceedings until July 16, 2026.