By Issa Bangura
A 32 year old Sierra Leonean man, Dauda Alhaji Bangura, is alleged to have left the country after information about a same-sex relationship reportedly reached his family, triggering threats, abuse and fears for his safety.
Bangura, who is reportedly from Kalinkay Village, is said to have travelled to the United Kingdom in July 2022, where he allegedly sought asylum.
The circumstances surrounding his departure, the threats against him and the legal document identifying him as “WANTED” raise questions about the relationship between sexuality, family expectations, religious conservatism and Sierra Leone’s legal framework on same-sex relationships.
According to a source familiar with Bangura’s circumstances, he grew up in a conservative Muslim environment where same-sex relationships were strongly condemned.
The source alleged that Bangura met a man identified as Abdullah while attending an Islamic madrasa school in Bambara Town, central Freetown.
The two reportedly became close when Bangura was about 20 years old, and their relationship allegedly developed into a secret emotional and physical relationship.
Because of the social and religious environment in which they lived, the relationship was reportedly kept private. The two allegedly avoided public attention and took precautions to prevent their families and community members from discovering their association.
The situation reportedly changed after Abdullah was allegedly discovered with another man and subjected to severe mistreatment.
According to the source, Abdullah was pressured to disclose information about previous relationships and allegedly mentioned Bangura.
The information reportedly reached Bangura’s family, after which he allegedly began receiving abusive messages and threatening telephone calls from relatives.
The source claimed that family members accused Bangura of bringing shame and dishonour upon the family.
The threats allegedly intensified, leaving him increasingly concerned about his personal safety.
A “WANTED” document reviewed by this publication also refers to allegations involving a same-sex relationship and claims that Bangura received threats after information about his sexual orientation became known to relatives.
However, the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged threats have not been independently established.
According to the document, Bangura left Sierra Leone on 21 July 2022 aboard a Brussels Airlines flight and travelled to the United Kingdom.
People familiar with his situation alleged that he feared returning to Sierra Leone because of possible violence, discrimination, family rejection and other consequences linked to his sexual orientation.
The current status of any asylum or protection application in the United Kingdom could not be independently verified.
The document identifies Bangura as “WANTED” and lists allegations including “attempt and gross indecency.”
It also refers to Warrant No. 215/2022 and C/R No. 4668/2022, while linking the matter to allegations involving a same-sex relationship.
However, the document contains an apparent discrepancy. It refers to a 2022 warrant but separately gives 8 February 2025 as the date of the alleged offence.
This publication could not independently establish whether the document is authentic, whether the warrant remains active, whether formal charges were filed or whether the dates relate to separate proceedings.
The document reportedly instructs that information concerning Bangura’s whereabouts should be communicated to the relevant authorities.
Bangura’s alleged experience comes against the backdrop of Sierra Leone’s longstanding legal and social restrictions affecting same-sex relationships.
Male same-sex sexual activity remains criminalised under Section 61 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, a colonial era law.
Although human rights organisations have reported that the provision is rarely enforced, they have also raised concerns that its continued existence contributes to stigma, discrimination and insecurity for LGBTQI+ people.
Sierra Leone does not recognise same-sex marriage, while sexual orientation is not expressly listed among the protected grounds against discrimination in the country’s constitutional framework.
Beyond the law, people perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or otherwise part of a sexual minority may face family rejection, harassment, threats, discrimination and violence.
The controversy surrounding same-sex relationships is also influenced by Sierra Leone’s strong religious and cultural traditions.
Both Muslim and Christian communities play significant roles in family and public life, and opposition to same-sex relationships has been expressed by some religious and political figures.
In July 2024, parliamentary remarks opposing same-sex marriage renewed public discussion about the place of same-sex relationships within Sierra Leone’s religious, cultural and legal environment.
For individuals whose sexual orientation becomes known to relatives or community members, the consequences may extend beyond legal concerns to family separation, loss of social support and personal security risks.
Despite the allegations surrounding Bangura’s case, several issues remain unresolved.
It has not been independently established whether he was formally charged, whether law-enforcement authorities investigated the matter, whether the alleged threats were reported or whether the “WANTED” document relates to an active legal proceeding.
The circumstances surrounding Abdullah’s alleged mistreatment also remain unverified.
Bangura’s response to the allegations was not available, and the publication could not independently confirm his current location or legal status in the United Kingdom.
The case nevertheless raises broader questions about the protection of individuals whose sexual orientation becomes known in conservative family and religious environments.It also highlights the need for clarity concerning criminal allegations, arrest warrants and official documents that may have serious consequences for a person’s reputation and safety.Until the authenticity of the document, the legal proceedings and the allegations against Bangura are independently established, the claims must remain treated as unverified allegations.