Felix Sesay Faces Death Threat and declared wanted

By Kadiatu Sankoh 

In early June 2023, a young man identified as Felix Sesay, a member of a local Christian congregation, narrowly escaped what he described as a forced initiation into a secret society, prompting church leaders to help him flee the country for his safety.

According to the pastor of Living Christ International Ministries, Rev Suma Foday Manasaray , he said, Felix arrived at the church compound at Waterloo in the western rural district of Freetown late at night in a state of panic, having jumped the fence to avoid being seen. He was crying and in severe pain from injuries to his back, which he said were the result of a beating by individuals including some family members who were attempting to compel him to join the group against his will and faith.

“Felix told me his life was in danger,” the Pastor Manasaray said. “He was terrified and in pain. We immediately called a nurse to give him first aid because we feared taking him to the hospital might expose his location.”

The pastor explained that those allegedly pursuing Felix were influential figures in the community, which increased the risk of him being tracked down. With rumors spreading that he was being searched for, the church temporarily sheltered him at the pastor’s nearby home.

Felix reportedly became deeply distressed as he shared his fears. He told church leaders that his brother had previously undergone a similar initiation and later died after contracting HIV and hepatitis, allegedly due to the use of unsterilized instruments during the ritual. He said his Christian faith did not permit him to participate in such practices.

As information continued to emerge that he was still being sought, the church decided that remaining in the area posed too great a risk. After consultations and prayers, they resolved to help Felix leave the country for his own protection.

It is understood that while in hiding , Felix has been declared wanted by the Secret Society of which high profile police officers are among. The young man is also facing death threats as they consider his actions to be a challenge to the gods of their society. Felix photo has been posted within the community and a  ransom of Le 10,000 which is equivalent to $500  United States Dollars has been placed on him. According to reports, it is also understood that the matter has been reported to the police presenting a different picture against Felix for which the police sees him as a suspect and has declared him wanted on account of unable to reach and locate him.

The church , it is understood is trying to help Felix escape the jurisdiction, in order to avoid him being persecuted.

“This was not an easy decision,” the pastor added, “but we believed that if we kept him here, we would lose him. Saving his life was our priority.”

Felix’s case highlights ongoing concerns about forced initiation practices and the dangers faced by individuals who resist them on religious or personal grounds.