The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, has confirmed the arrest and detention of an alleged perpetrator and several family members in connection with a reported child marriage case, as authorities intensify efforts to enforce child protection laws across the country.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, officials said the actions were carried out in line with the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Child Rights Act of 2025, with support from community structures, development partners, and the Family Support Unit.

According to the Ministry, the alleged accused and some family members have been arrested and detained in accordance with the law, while police investigators have also obtained statements from the alleged perpetrators, including the man involved and members of the family linked to the matter.

The Ministry further disclosed that the child at the center of the case is currently receiving psycho-social support and has been placed in a safe home as part of ongoing protection measures by authorities.

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Officials said continuous assessments are being conducted to monitor the victim’s emotional and psychological condition while ensuring that the necessary protection and welfare support are provided.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs urged members of the public to continue supporting national efforts aimed at ending abuse against children by reporting cases through the national 116 Hotline for rape and other forms of abuse.

The Ministry also raised concern over the circulation of the child’s photographs and videos on social media and other platforms, warning that such actions could further violate the dignity and privacy of the victim.

“To protect the dignity and privacy of the child, we strongly appeal to the public to stop sharing her photos and videos circulating from earlier posts,” the Ministry stated.

The Ministry additionally cautioned blogging platforms, media institutions, and social media users to exercise extreme caution when publishing or sharing child-related and gender-sensitive content, stressing that the safety, dignity, identity, and welfare of children must always be protected in accordance with child protection laws and ethical standards.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to ending child marriage and all forms of violence against children, while calling on citizens and stakeholders to continue supporting efforts to safeguard the rights and welfare of vulnerable children across Sierra Leone.