By Sankoh Kadiatu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – In what is becoming one of the most controversial cases in recent memory, the Sierra Leone Police have declared five young men from the Fourah Bay community wanted over alleged involvement in a same-sex scandal that has shaken the Islamic-dominated neighborhood to its core.
The individuals declared wanted include Mohamed Kamara, Ibrahim Conteh, Morris King Kabba, Osman Sesay, and Morlai Bangura—all accused of being linked to a group of white foreigners who entered the community under the guise of football scouting.
According to reports from residents, the foreigners claimed to be talent scouts searching for young footballers to sign and sponsor for professional careers abroad. Their arrival was initially met with joy and optimism, with several local youths attending informal trials and interviews. However, it later emerged that the true purpose behind their visit had little to do with sports.
Allegations surfaced that the so-called scouts were instead coercing and grooming some of the boys into same-sex relationships, acts that are deeply condemned in the Fourah Bay community and strictly prohibited under Islamic teachings.
One elder in the community, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said:
“These people lied to us. They didn’t come to build careers, they came to destroy lives. We trusted them, and they corrupted our boys. It is an affront to our faith and our values.”
The situation worsened when some of the boys allegedly began spreading the behavior among themselves, triggering widespread anger and betrayal throughout the community. Local leaders, along with youth groups and religious authorities, acted swiftly by filing an official complaint with the Sierra Leone Police.
Before the police could intervene, however, all five suspects reportedly fled the community. In late November 2023, the police issued a formal declaration, naming the individuals as wanted in connection to the scandal. Flyers bearing their names and photos have been distributed in the area, and a stern warning has been issued to residents: anyone caught harboring them risks legal consequences.
One resident, Haja Fatmata Sesay, said:
“What happened here is not just a crime against religion; it’s a crime against trust. These boys let outsiders corrupt them, and now they’ve brought shame to all of us.”
The community has remained on high alert, with threats of mob justice circulating should any of the suspects return to the area. Local leaders have cautioned against violence, urging residents to leave the matter in the hands of law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. A senior officer familiar with the case stated:
“We are treating this matter seriously. The allegations are sensitive, but our priority is to ensure public order and safety. We urge the suspects to turn themselves in.”
As the community of Fourah Bay continues to grapple with the scandal’s fallout, human rights organizations have called for due process, warning against vigilante action and reminding the public that all accused persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Still, for many in the tight-knit and faith-driven community, the betrayal cuts deep, and trust in outsiders has been severely damaged.
“We opened our doors to them,” one resident lamented. “They opened a door to something we cannot accept.”