Gender Minister Confirms Arrest of Husband and Family Members Engaged in Alleged Child Marriage, Victim Receiving Psycho-Social Support

By Davida Spaine-Solomon

Freetown, 25th May, 2026 – The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, has confirmed that authorities have arrested and detained the alleged husband of a minor and family members in accordance with the provisions of the Child Marriage Act. This revelation follows the circulation of images on social media allegedly involving an elderly man and a minor girl in an apparent child marriage.

In a public statement, the minister said the Government, through the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and its partners, is actively responding to the matter in line with the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Child Rights Act of 2025.

Mahoi disclosed that the Police, through the Family Support Unit, had obtained statements from the alleged perpetrators as investigations continue.

She stated that the victim is receiving psycho-social support and has been moved to a safe home for protection and care. She added that authorities are continuing to assess the victim’s mental and emotional condition while ensuring that the necessary protection measures remain in place.

The minister called on members of the public to continue to be supportive and furnish them with information relating to any abuse in their communities by calling their 116 Hotline for rape and other abuses.

She also expressed concern over the widespread circulation of the child’s photographs and videos on social media, warning that such actions could further traumatize the victim and violate child protection laws.

“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 minister stated.

Minister Mahoi cautioned bloggers, media institutions and social media users to exercise restraint and professionalism when publishing child-related and gender-sensitive content. She emphasized that the safety, identity, dignity and welfare of children must always be protected in line with ethical standards and national child protection laws.