Freetown – A High Court in Freetown has sentenced 55-year-old Abubakarr Jalloh to 75 years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to disable his young grandson, Mustapha Kanu.
The offence took place in Sussex Village. According to reports, Jalloh tied up and severely beat the boy, then aged about five or six, over a misplaced phone charger receipt. The child was later treated at Connaught Hospital, where the injuries to his arms proved so severe that both arms had to be amputated.
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) monitored the case through its Directorate of Gender and Children’s Affairs starting in February 2026 while the boy was still receiving treatment. The matter formed part of wider monitoring of child abuse cases in Freetown, Kono and Bo.
During the plea in mitigation, Jalloh expressed deep remorse and begged his daughter and the young victim for forgiveness.
He told the court he regretted his actions and would carry that regret for the rest of his life. He asked the court to temper justice with mercy, claiming the attack was not intentional.
Presiding Judge Justice Semion Allieu said he had carefully considered the plea but stressed that the gravity of the offence demanded a firm response. The court, he noted, must set a strong precedent to deter others from such inhumane conduct and protect vulnerable members of society, especially children.
State Prosecutor Yusuf Issa Sesay called on the relevant authorities to ensure the child is not neglected after the conclusion of the case. He also praised the HRCSL and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs for their roles throughout the judicial process.
The case has sparked widespread outrage across Sierra Leone, with child protection advocates renewing calls for stronger enforcement of child welfare laws.
