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Every day, Sierra Leoneans wake up to headlines dominated by politics, governance debates, economic challenges, and international affairs. These issues are important because they shape the direction of the nation. Yet sometimes a story emerges that forces society to pause and confront something far deeper than politics a story that challenges our humanity itself.
The tragic case of five-year-old Mustapha Kanu is one such story.
According to reports, the young boy from Sussex Village in Freetown lost both of his hands after suffering severe injuries allegedly inflicted by his own grandfather, Abu Bakarr Jalloh. What began as a disciplinary incident reportedly connected to a misplaced phone charging receipt ended in one of the most horrifying cases of child abuse Sierra Leone has witnessed in recent years.
The images, testimonies, and medical realities surrounding this case have shocked the nation. They have generated public outrage, grief, and disbelief. But beyond the emotion lies a deeper question: How does a society reach a point where a child can suffer such unimaginable violence within the very home that is supposed to protect him?
What Happened to Mustapha Kanu?
To fully appreciate the magnitude of this tragedy, it is important to understand what transpired.
According to evidence presented before the court, Mustapha had been living with his grandfather after his parents relocated from the family residence. At the insistence of the grandfather, the child remained behind under his care. During the seven months he reportedly lived there, he was never enrolled in school.
The incident that would permanently alter his life reportedly began over a mobile phone charger.
The court heard that Mustapha and his 14-year-old uncle, Mohamed, had been sent to a nearby telecentre. Upon arrival, they were informed that the correct charger was already available. Mohamed handed the charger to Mustapha and instructed him to return it home while he continued to school.
When the child arrived home later than expected, his grandfather allegedly became enraged.
According to testimony before the court, Mustapha’s hands were tied to a wooden stick in a crucifix-like position using an inner tyre tube. Boiling water and pepper were then allegedly poured onto his hands.
Ignoring the child’s cries of pain, the grandfather reportedly locked him inside the house and left for the rest of the day.
Later that afternoon, Mohamed returned from school and found Mustapha still tied up and in severe pain. When asked what had happened, the child reportedly replied:
“Na grandpa. E put hot wata en peppeh na me hand, ar dae feel pain.”
Translated:
“It was grandpa. He put hot water and pepper on my hands. I am in pain.”
Fearful of his father’s temperament, Mohamed reportedly did not intervene.
It was not until evening that Mustapha’s step-grandmother, Kadijatu Kamara, returned from the market, discovered the child’s condition, and untied him.
According to evidence before the court, immediate medical treatment was still not sought.
Days passed.
The injuries worsened.
By the third day, the condition of the child’s hands had deteriorated significantly. The grandfather reportedly contacted a neighbour and falsely claimed that Mustapha had suffered accidental burns.
The neighbour assisted in transporting the child to a clinic, which immediately referred him to Emergency Hospital because of the severity of his injuries.
At Emergency Hospital, Matron Bintu Jawara reportedly observed signs consistent with serious abuse and alerted officers at the Adonkia Police Station.
Police responded swiftly and arrested Abu Bakarr Jalloh.
Doctors at Emergency Hospital then delivered devastating news to the family. Both of Mustapha’s hands would have to be amputated in order to save his life.
