Grandfather Faces Possible 70-Year Sentence Over Brutal Grandson Injuries

The prosecution has recommended a 70-year prison sentence for a grandfather, Abubakarr Jalloh, after he pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to disable his grandson, in a deeply disturbing case before Justice Simeon Allieu of the High Court.

Jalloh appeared before the court on a two-count indictment of Causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent to Disable, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and Child Torture, contrary to Section 19 of the Child Rights Act 2025.

According to the prosecution, on 12 February 2026, Jalloh inflicted severe injuries on his grandson, Mustapha Kanu, resulting in injuries so grave that both of the child’s forearms were later amputated.

When the charges were read in court, the accused pleaded guilty to Count One but denied Count Two.

However, State Prosecutor Yousif Isaac Sesay informed the court that the prosecution would not proceed with the second count, noting that the accused’s guilty plea to the first charge was sufficient for conviction. Justice Simeon Allieu subsequently discharged the accused on Count Two.

Leading evidence in court, Prosecutor Sesay outlined that the accused is the father of Hassanatu Jalloh, who is married to Alimamy Kanu. The couple has three children, including the victim.

The court heard that the child was sent to stay with his grandfather at Success Village after Jalloh invited his daughter and grandchildren to Freetown under the pretext of overseeing a piece of land at IMATT.

Mustapha reportedly lived with the accused for about seven months without being enrolled in school.

Prosecutor Sesay told the court that on the day of the incident, the child was punished after allegedly taking too long while running an errand involving a mobile phone charger. The accused allegedly tied the child’s hands to a stick using tyre rubber in a crucifix-like position, locked him in a room, and repeatedly applied hot water and pepper to his hands while denying him food and water.

Despite the child’s repeated cries for help, the court was told, the accused ignored his pleas.

A boy living in the household later discovered the child in distress but did not intervene due to fear of the accused.

The court further heard that when the accused’s wife later returned home, she was shocked by the child’s condition and urged her husband to take him to hospital. The accused allegedly refused immediate medical care, instead applying ointment while retaining money given for treatment.

The child was eventually taken to a clinic and later referred to the Emergency Hospital, where medical staff raised alarm over the severity of the injuries. Police from the Adonkia Police Station subsequently arrested the accused following a report from hospital authorities.

Doctors later informed the child’s parents that both hands would need to be amputated to save his life, but the parents initially refused consent and sought alternative treatment. The child’s condition worsened, and by the time he was returned for further care, he had suffered permanent disability and loss of both forearms.

In his submission, Prosecutor Sesay described the offence as extremely grave, stressing that the victim was a vulnerable child placed under the care of the accused, who instead subjected him to severe abuse.

He told the court that the offence carries a life sentence and urged Justice Allieu to impose a 70-year custodial term, citing the aggravating circumstances and the need to send a strong deterrent message.

He also referenced provisions under the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2022, arguing that any life sentence should reflect a minimum custodial term of not less than 30 years.

Justice Simeon Allieu noted that the accused had been given the opportunity to secure legal representation but failed to do so, though the court would proceed regardless.

The matter has been adjourned to 19 June 2026 for the accused to make a final address before sentencing.