DONATION DISPUTE CLOUDS CARE FOR AMPUTEE BOY MUSTAPHA KANU
By Saidu Jalloh, D.S Reporter
The family of five-year-old Mustapha Kanu is demanding full transparency over public donations raised for the boy’s care after he lost both hands in a brutal attack.
Speaking to Politico on Thursday, August 13, 2026, Mustapha’s father Alimamy Kanu accused Lawrence Tauwah, CEO of Wi Salone Voice, of failing to properly account for funds contributed in his son’s name. Tauwah had earlier brought public attention to Mustapha’s case and led appeals for financial assistance as the child faces long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, psychological support and prosthetic fittings.
Kanu alleged that money raised through public appeals was handed to the family on only two occasions. He also claimed that Tauwah did not consistently disclose the amounts received and used his personal bank account to collect some of the donations. The dispute deepened after Kanu said he was informed that any proposed overseas medical trip would involve Tauwah and his wife accompanying Mustapha, while the boy’s immediate family would be excluded.
“I feel he is using me because I didn’t go to school,” Kanu said. He stated that he reported the matter to police but was advised to seek redress in court.
The attack that led to Mustapha’s amputation occurred when the boy’s guardian, Mohamed Jalloh, allegedly tied the child’s hands separately to a wooden stick with rubber cut from an inner tire tube, leaving him restrained across the chest. Kanu alleged that Jalloh then poured hot water mixed with pepper over Mustapha’s hands, withheld food and water, locked him in a room and left the house. The boy’s older brother Mohamed later found him still bound and crying in pain but was too afraid to intervene.
A nurse at hospital suspected serious abuse and alerted officers at Adonkia Police Station, leading to Jalloh’s arrest. Medical professionals determined the damage to Mustapha’s hands was irreversible and both hands had to be amputated to save his life. A second medical opinion obtained at Connaught Hospital also confirmed that amputation was unavoidable. Jalloh has since been prosecuted and the criminal case concluded.
With the legal proceedings over, Kanu said his priority is now to ensure that all assistance raised in Mustapha’s name is transparently managed and used in his best interests. Tauwah has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.
Child rights advocates note that cases involving vulnerable children often attract significant public sympathy and donations, making accountability critical to maintaining public trust. The Kanu family says it will continue to press for answers until there is clarity on how funds contributed for Mustapha’s care are being used.
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