Mara Chiefdom Demands Justice
By: Benedict Abubakarr Conteh
A woman in Mara Chiefdom, Bombali District, is seeking justice after she and her one-year-old son were allegedly assaulted by local authorities in what’s being described as a blatant abuse of power.
Zainab Sesay says the incident occurred on March 28, 2025, after a dispute involving a relative led to a fine imposed by the chiefdom leadership. As she attempted to settle the matter, Section Chief James Fullah reportedly ordered a Chiefdom Police Officer, Umaru Jalloh to handcuff her while she was carrying her baby. She was then allegedly dragged in front of community members and detained in a local cell.
Despite suggestions to resolve the matter legally through the Chiefdom Local Court, the Section Chief allegedly insisted on her immediate detention. Sesay claims she sustained injuries during the ordeal, and medical forms were given to her to be endorsed by the Chief Medical Superintendent of the Makeni Regional Hospital to support her statement. She also reports that she was compelled to pay Le250 after the assault.
In response, the Sierra Leone Police in Makeni launched an investigation and invited three individuals for questioning: the Section Chief, the Chiefdom Police Officer, and the Chiefdom Youth Chairman. However, only the latter two appeared at the police station. The Section Chief was notably absent.
The case has drawn attention from human rights activists, especially in light of previous reports of abuse in Mara Chiefdom. Several years ago, the same Section Chief was accused of ordering the public beating of a man wrongly accused of stealing a goat. A case like many others, quietly faded without justice.
During a follow-up visit to the Mena Police Station, journalists learned that external influence may have contributed to the early release of the Chiefdom Police Officer. Still, Civil Society Groups remain engaged, calling for accountability and due process.
The Head of Media for the Sierra Leone Police in the North Eastern Region, Sergeant John Abass Kamara, met with members of the press and assured full cooperation with the investigation.
As this case unfolds, pressure continues to mount for authorities to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
