By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 14th July 2026 — The High Court in Freetown has commenced trial in a case involving alleged forced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
According to the complainant, she was forcibly initiated into the Bondo Society by “soweis,” subjected to female genital cutting, detained against her will, and later escaped before reporting the matter to the Ross Road Police Station on 28th May 2026.
The incident is alleged to have occurred on 7th May 2026 at Quarry Moyeba Community in Kissy. Following investigations, five accused persons were arraigned before Justice Tonia Barnett on charges of conspiracy and causing grievous bodily harm.
The accused persons include: Mariama Kargbo, alias Kuttie- Ramatu Turay, alias Waka Pa Dem- Mabinty Bangura, alias Sampa- Adama Kamara, alias Nanday Porto/Nandewa and Abubakarr Fadika, alias DJ Bakarr
They were indicted for conspiracy to unlawfully maim the clitoris of the complainant, thereby causing grievous bodily harm, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861.
Justice Barnett adjourned the matter to 20th July 2026 for cross-examination.
