15-Year-Old Schoolboy Pleads Guilty to Arson After Setting Classroom on Fire
Valentine Benjamin Conteh A 15-year-old schoolboy in Freetown has pleaded guilty to one count of arson after setting fire to a classroom at his school, allegedly in retaliation for being expelled and barred from writing his exams.
The minor made his first court appearance before Justice Adrian Fisher at High Court No. 2 on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, where he openly admitted to the offence.
During the proceedings, Justice Fisher questioned the boy’s father, who explained that he had visited the school to plead on his son’s behalf after the expulsion. However, he claimed that the headmistress redirected him to the class teacher, Mr. Sam, and that he was constantly interrupted and not given a fair chance to explain or appeal the decision.
When asked directly about the incident, the accused admitted to starting the fire but clarified that only one classroom was affected. He stated that his parents had already reconstructed the damaged classroom and denied claims that important documents and computers were destroyed. He confirmed, however, that the blackboard, furniture, and roof of the classroom were burnt.
Justice Fisher has reserved sentencing for Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
The case has stirred public discussion around youth mental health, discipline policies in schools, and how disciplinary actions can sometimes escalate into destructive behavior when not properly addressed.