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Principal Magistrate Hadiru Daboh of the Kenema Magistrate Court has committed 38-year-old teacher Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi to the High Court for trial on charges of rape and engaging in sexual activity with a person living with a mental disability.
The committal ruling was delivered on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, after the court found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. The matter is recorded as Criminal Case No. C/R 1935/2026 and C/P 447/2026.
According to court documents, Massaquoi of Dama Town, Kenema, faces two charges under Sierra Leone’s Sexual Offences Act. The first count alleges rape, contrary to Section 6 of the Sexual Offences Act No. 12 of 2012, as amended by the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 2019. Prosecutors allege that on 5 May 2026, in Dama Town Section, Kenema City, Nongowa Chiefdom, the accused engaged in unlawful sexual intercourse with the complainant.
The second count accuses Massaquoi of engaging in sexual activity with a person with a mental disability, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 12 of 2012. The alleged victim is identified in court documents as Zainab Fanka, said to be living with a mental disability.
During preliminary investigation proceedings, the accused said he would rely on a statement previously made to the police. The statement, recorded under the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965, is reported to state that he had sexual intercourse with the complainant but denied using force.
After reviewing the prosecution’s evidence and the defence’s position, Magistrate Daboh ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence for the matter to proceed to trial. The court refused bail and ordered that the accused remain in custody pending appearance before the High Court.
A date for the High Court hearing has not yet been announced.
