Mohamed Sheriff Sentenced to 40 Years for Attempted Murder

Mohamed Sheriff Sentenced to 40 Years for Attempted Murder

At the High Court in Kenema on March 30, 2026, Mohamed Sheriff, also known as "Karmoh," was sentenced to forty years of imprisonment. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Justice Abdul Sheriff for the offenses of attempted murder, wounding with intent, and grievous bodily harm, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. The formal charges were read by the Registrar of the High Court, Thomas B. L. Sam.

The defendant, Mohamed Sheriff, initially pleaded guilty to the charge of wounding with intent. While he entered a plea of not guilty to count one (attempted murder) and count three (causing grievous bodily harm), he was ultimately found guilty of all charges by the court.

Defense Counsel Joseph Bandabla Dauda, representing AdvocAid for the Eastern Region, pleaded for leniency on behalf of the defendant. Mr. Dauda noted that his client was a first-time offender and the primary provider for his family and children, urging Justice Sheriff to consider a minimal sentence.

In delivering his judgment, Justice Abdul Sheriff acknowledged the defendant's guilty plea regarding wounding with intent. For the remaining charges of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm, the Judge ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to a guilty verdict.

Taking into account the mitigation plea from the defense and the aggravating nature of the offenses, Mohamed Sheriff was sentenced to a total of forty years at the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) in Kenema. The sentence consists of fifteen years for count one, ten years for count two, and fifteen years for count three, to be served consecutively.

The matter was prosecuted by Andrew F. Kamara, State Counsel and Customary Law Officer for the Kenema District.