By Kandeh Sesay
Tensions have gripped the Leicester Road community in the Tree Planting area of Freetown following reports that two men accused of engaging in homosexual activity have gone into hiding after violent attacks from community members.
According to reports gathered by this medium, on August 11, 2024, community stakeholders reported to the Central Police Station that Mohamed Barrack Koroma, 32yrs and Bayor Turay, 30yrs, whose photosgraph appears above, had been accused of engaging in same-sex activity in a small room near a community mosque.
Eyewitnesses alleged that a resident, Alpha Conteh, was passing by when he saw the two men in a compromising position and raised an alarm. The call drew the attention of community members, who rushed to the scene and reportedly assaulted the pair.
Sources say that during the commotion, Koroma managed to escape, while Turay was severely beaten by irate youths using sticks and other objects before police intervention.
The following morning, on August 12, 2024, community elders and family members of both men reported the matter to the police. Statements were obtained from witnesses, and a team of officers, including the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), visited the location. However, both suspects had already fled the area.
Police sources later confirmed that the men could not be found and were believed to have gone into hiding. Investigations revealed that Koroma may have crossed into neighboring Guinea, while Turay’s whereabouts remain unknown. The Sierra Leone Police have since declared both men wanted for questioning in connection with the alleged offence of homosexuality, which remains illegal under Sierra Leonean law.
Family sources disclosed that Koroma,
involved in building services, faced threats and harassment from relatives and community members following the incident. His mother, Mrs adama Isatu Sesay, reportedly told community leaders that she was shocked and distressed by the allegations, stating that her son had never shown such behaviour in the past.
Koroma hails from a devout Muslim family. His late father, Mr. Sheik Abass Koroma was the former imam of the Leicester Road Community Mosque. Relatives expressed disappointment, saying the situation has brought shame to a family known for its strong religious background.
Fearing for her safety, Mrs. Sesay allegedly that she is facing provocation from community people’s, that she gave birth to a cursed child , because of that, she want undisclosed location after receiving threats from some community members.
Meanwhile, residents of the community expressed anger, claiming the act goes against their moral and religious beliefs. Some reportedly vowed to continue searching for the two men.
Police have warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that all allegations must be investigated in accordance with the law.
Homosexual acts remain criminalized in Sierra Leone under the country’s laws, carrying severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment with hard labor.
