Sierra Leone Police in Pujehun are currently investigating Imam, Mustapha Rogers (Mualem) of the Pujehun Central Mosque for allegedly penetrating a nine-year-old girl.

Deputy Imam Mustapha Rogers was recruited by the Ummah Welfare to teach the children Arabic and the basics of Islam, which has been going on for a couple of months now.

On Wednesday 5th June 2024, Imam Mustapha reportedly took the young girl into the toilet of the Pujehun Central Mosque where the teaching takes place, during which he purportedly penetrated the girl with his fingers and gave her an NLe 10 note.

Upon getting home, the girl’s parent saw the NLe 10 note with her and asked where she got it from, the girl explained exactly what happened between herself and her Arabic Teacher.

The incident was immediately reported to the police station and a medical examination was carried out on the girl, affirming that she had been sexually penetrated, later the suspect was arrested, and he is currently in police custody.

According to community members, the suspect is notorious for sexually abusing teenage girls even when he has three (3) wives.

According to the report, some years ago he was accused of sexually penetrating a five-year-old girl in a village called Mopani in the riverine area of Pujehun District and was sent out of the village. He later came and settled in Kebawana village where he did the same act and was asked out of the village. He later relocated to the district headquarters Town, Pujehun.

The community is calling for justice to be served and for measures to be put in place to protect the vulnerable members of society from such heinous acts.

The situation has sparked outrage and conversation about the importance of addressing sexual abuse in the community to prevent further harm. However, the police are yet to release an official statement on the incident.

Residents are hopeful that the investigation will lead to the perpetrator being held accountable for his actions.