In a startling development, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have arrested three individuals on charges of child trafficking.
The arrests were announced during a press briefing at the Sierra Leone Police Headquarters on George Street.
Eastern Region Police Commander Andrew Kamara revealed that Abdul Rahman Kamara, Mustapha, and Alfred Sesay were intercepted at a checkpoint in the Koidu Division.
This led to their immediate arrest and detention at the Kenema Police Division.
The suspects were found transporting 17 individuals, including 11 children and their mothers. Commander Kamara highlighted that the investigation uncovered plans to traffic these minors to Niger.
“All 11 children, along with their mothers, have been entrusted to the Ministry of Social Welfare and relocated to a secure facility,” Commander Kamara stated.
“If they had reached Niger, these children would likely face placement in camps and subsequent repatriation, driven by the selfish interests of traffickers.”
The Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2005 in Sierra Leone strictly prohibits child trafficking, with penalties including a minimum of five years’ imprisonment.
Commander Kamara assured that the detained suspects will face full legal scrutiny and prosecution according to the law.
