‘He Led Me to Where He Stored His Generator, Removed My Pants… And Covered My Mouth’

Prince Bindi, commonly known as “Uncle Prince” in the community, has been remanded in custody at the male correctional centre in Kenema, following accusations of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old child.

Appearing for the second time in Magistrate Court No. 2 before Presiding Magistrate Gershon Lamin Macarthy, Bindi faces charges of sexual penetration related to the incident and has fervently denied the allegations.

Awoko reports that the incident allegedly occurred on the morning of July 23, 2023. The young victim, in her statement, recounted that Bindi gave her NL5. Later, on her way back from the nearby mosque, she was once again called by Uncle Prince. She approached her aunt and greeted her with the traditional “assalamualaikum” (peace be upon you). She informed her aunt that Uncle Prince was summoning her, but her aunt did not respond. The young girl proceeded to Uncle Prince’s location.

The 9-year-old alleges that there was nobody else present at Uncle Prince’s house at the time she arrived, as everyone had gone to church, including his own children. Uncle Prince took hold of her hand and led her to the area where he stored his generator. There, he partially removed her pants, placed her on his lap, and subjected her to abuse while covering her mouth.

Subsequent to the alleged assault, the child initially kept the incident to herself and sought refuge at her grandmother’s residence on the outskirts of Kenema City. However, after falling ill, she disclosed the assault during a medical consultation. This revelation led her father and family to travel from Tongo Field, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, to be with her.

The victim’s family took immediate action, alerting the police about the incident. Police authorities responded promptly, facilitating a medical examination at the Rainbow Medical Centre at the government hospital in Kenema. Statements were also recorded from both the victim and her family.

In court, Bindi is being defended by attorneys Joseph B. Dauda, S.S. Ansumana, and Patrick Kamara from the Legal Aid Board, with Police Constable Vonja Thomas leading the prosecution. The case is ongoing, with future court dates expected.