Freetown, 6th July 2026 – A major development has emerged in Sierra Leone’s landmark child marriage prosecution, as one of the accused, Lansana Qura, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to either 15 years’ imprisonment or a fine of NLe50,000 by the High Court in Freetown.
Qura, the second accused in the matter, entered his guilty plea before Justice Mark Ngegba during proceedings on Wednesday. His conviction is the first under Sierra Leone’s newly enacted Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, making the case a legal milestone in the country’s fight against child marriage.
Qura was charged alongside three co‑accused: Sayo Marrah, Salieu Kamara, and Abu Bakarr Kamara. The four first appeared before the court on June 26, 2026, facing charges of Contracting Marriage with a Child, Consenting to Child Marriage, and Aiding and Abetting Child Marriage, contrary to Sections 2, 3, and 10 of the Act.
According to the prosecution, Marrah allegedly contracted a marriage with a child, while Salieu Kamara, identified as the child’s father, consented to the marriage and participated in the ceremony. The State further alleged that Qura and Abu Bakarr Kamara actively facilitated the marriage by helping to organize and ensure the ceremony took place.
State Counsel J.A.K. Sesay represented the prosecution, while all four accused were legally represented. During Wednesday’s hearing, Qura pleaded guilty, while the remaining three accused maintained pleas of not guilty.
Before sentencing, Justice Ngegba invited Qura to make a plea in mitigation. Qura appealed for leniency, insisting he had no ill intentions. After consideration, Justice Ngegba handed down the sentence: 15 years in prison or a fine of NLe50,000.
The other three accused were remanded in custody, with the matter adjourned to July 16, 2026, for further hearing.
This case marks Sierra Leone’s first prosecution under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, signalling the government’s determination to enforce the law and protect children from forced unions. The conviction of Qura sets a precedent as the trial continues against the remaining accused.
