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A man who helped organize a wedding for a 16-year-old girl in Freetown has been sentenced to 15 years in prison or a fine of 50,000 New Leones.
Lansana Qura pleaded guilty Wednesday before High Court Justice Mark Ngegba in Freetown. He is the second accused in what officials say is the first prosecution under Sierra Leone’s Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024.
Three other men remain in custody and have pleaded not guilty. They are Sayo Marrah, who allegedly married the child; Salieu Kamara, the girl’s father; and Abu Bakarr Kamara.
Prosecutors say Marrah contracted marriage with a minor, Kamara consented to the union, and Qura and Abu Bakarr Kamara helped arrange the ceremony.
The wedding took place June 16 in Freetown’s Wellington neighborhood but was stopped by police who arrested several people. The bride was 16 years old.
State Counsel J.A.K. Sesay is prosecuting the case. All four accused have legal representation.
Before the sentence was passed, Qura asked the judge for mercy, stating he had no ill intentions. Despite his plea, the judge handed down the 15-year sentence with an option to pay the NLe50,000 fine.
The case is adjourned until July 16.
