A Sierra Leonean man deported from the United States, Shaman Wesley, has publicly addressed allegations that he raped a 7-year-old girl while in the United States, calling the claims false and seeking support from the public as he adjusts to life back in Sierra Leone.

In a statement shared on social media, Wesley described his deportation as a deliberate act by the U.S. government to undermine his ongoing legal cases.

“I filed an appeal case of wrongful incarceration and ICE case too against the government, it is pending right now, and if I win the case, it will be a big loss to the government. This is why they connived against me and deported me here to Sierra Leone,” he said.

Wesley explained that he is currently separated from his children, who are in New York, and expressed relief that they were not deported with him.

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“Both of my appeal cases are ongoing while I’m here in Sierra Leone. My children have been taken to custody in New York, and I’m happy about that because from what I’m experiencing here right now, it is a very big shock and surprise. If I had come with them here, things would have gotten out of hands more than as it is now,” he stated.

Responding directly to the allegations of sexual assault, Wesley denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that he had no contact with the alleged victim while in jail. “While I was in jail, I had no contact of the girl whom I was alleged to have raped because it is not even permissible to even talk with them,” he said.

Appealing to the Sierra Leonean public, Wesley asked for understanding and support. “The rape allegations is false and I don’t want people to make fun out of it just in the name of blogging, it is something that has to do with my life. It is not like I’m happy being here, and it is not like I never had plan of coming here, but the circumstances surrounding my presence here is very heart aching,” he said.

He also highlighted his previous life in the United States, noting that he had been financially supporting friends and family. “While I was in the United States, I used to send money to my friends, send money to build house and take care of my Mum who is late now. If you were in my shoe, you would know exactly what is happening to me. So please don’t judge me, I’m innocent of the allegations against me,” Wesley added.

Authorities in the United States have not publicly commented on the ongoing appeal or the deportation circumstances. Meanwhile, Wesley remains in Sierra Leone as his legal challenges continue abroad.