Koidu City, Kono District — High Court Judge Justice Santigie Sorie Bangura has sentenced Amos Aiah Daniel to a record 215 years in prison after convicting him of conspiracy, murder and wounding with intent in the rape and killing of a child.
Daniel’s mother, Theresa Konomanyie, received 15 years for conspiracy but was cleared of the murder charge. The two faced trial on three counts linked to the death of the minor on 4 March 2026 at No. 9 Sandor Street in Koidu City.
Prosecutors told the court that Daniel lured the child into his room. After a desperate search by relatives and neighbours, the child was found unconscious. Daniel tried to escape but was caught by residents. The child was taken to hospital, where she was declared dead.
The prosecution called five witnesses, including police investigators and a medical expert. They also presented crime-scene photographs, laboratory results, caution and charge statements, and the post-mortem report.
In his caution statement, Daniel admitted sexually assaulting the child and killing her by stuffing a towel into her mouth before locking the room. His confession and guilty plea closed the case against him.
The court found that Konomanyie blocked residents from forcing the door open and interfered with a child witness who identified her son, proving her part in the conspiracy. Justice Bangura ruled, however, that no evidence tied her directly to the murder.
Defence counsel Alpha Osman Kamara asked for mercy, saying both defendants were first-time offenders.
The judge rejected the plea, calling Daniel’s actions “preposterous” and stating that he had robbed Sierra Leone of a young life that could have contributed to national development.
The sentences were:
– Conspiracy: 15 years each for Daniel and Konomanyie
– Murder: 120 years for Daniel
– Wounding with intent: 80 years for Daniel
This brought Daniel’s total term to 215 years, while his mother will serve 15 years.
