Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Murder of Iyeba Sanda Barrie

Alimamy Kamara has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of Iyeba Sanda Barrie in Kamaseh Village, Koinadugu District.

The sentencing, handed down by the High Court, concludes a 14-month trial following the discovery of Barrie’s body on January 26, 2024.

Iyeba Sanda Barrie, 35, was found dead in a river near Kamaseh Village with evidence of severe injuries, including deep cuts and signs of torture. Initial police investigations led to the arrest of Kamara and three others. An autopsy confirmed the violent nature of her death.

On February 10, 2024, Magistrate Santigie Sesay of the Koinadugu Magistrate Court committed the case to the High Court after preliminary investigations and evidence presented by the state council were deemed sufficient.

The High Court trial culminated in March 2025, with Kamara found guilty of murder. The judge imposed a 30-year prison sentence.

Prior to the sentencing, the discovery of Barrie’s body sparked widespread community outrage, with protests led by women in Koinadugu District demanding justice. Her brother, Saikujohn Barrie, publicly thanked those who supported the family and called for an end to violence against women.

Initial police reports from January 2024 indicated that Kamara was the last person seen with the deceased. The investigation, led by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from the Kabala Division, involved an autopsy conducted at Kabala Government Hospital.