Supreme Court Bans Couple from Operating Schools Following Corruption Convictions

Supreme Court Judge, Honourable Justice Fatmata Bintu Alhadi, has banned Mr. Henry Kamara and Mrs. Marion Follah Musu Kamara from operating Holy Family Secondary School at Deep Eye Water in Freetown, or any other educational institution, for three years following their conviction for corruption-related offences.

The couple faced five counts, including soliciting and accepting an advantage, contrary to Section 39(1)(b) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 12 of 2008. Between January 1 and September 28, 2019, Henry Kamara, an agent of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), allegedly solicited and received money to allow private candidates to take the 2019 WASSCE exams at a private residence instead of the designated school centre.

Prosecutors stated that Henry Kamara solicited two million Leones from Olu Williams for the benefit of Williams’ cousin, Simeon, and accepted 450,000 Leones to favour another candidate, Bodkin. Emmanuel Kobby was jointly charged with Henry for receiving 1.7 million Leones from Elizabeth Kamara for similar purposes. Marion Kamara faced charges of soliciting an advantage for Williams’ cousin, Simeon.

During the trial, the defendants pleaded not guilty to most counts. The prosecution, led by M. Sow, presented seven witnesses, including an ACC investigation officer, a WAEC marshal, a bank official, and a private candidate. The defendants gave sworn testimony but called no witnesses.

Delivering her judgment, Justice Alhadi stated that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, noting that the defendants failed to present a convincing defence. She emphasised the broader consequences of corruption in schools, warning that it undermines education quality, fosters inequality, and erodes public trust in institutions.

Henry Kamara, convicted on four counts, was fined 30,000 Leones per count, totaling 120,000 Leones, payable within three years. Marion Kamara, convicted on one count, was fined 30,000 Leones, payable within one year. Emmanuel Kobby, convicted on one count, was fined 60,000 Leones, payable within two years, and banned from working in any educational institution for three years.

Defence lawyer E.T. Enoh had urged leniency, highlighting that the couple were first-time offenders, long-serving educators since 2008, and caregivers to four children.