By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
A 38-year-old former teacher, Musa Turay, appeared before Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens at the NASSIT Court in Freetown on Tuesday, facing grave charges of sexual penetration involving two young victims. The alleged offenses involve two girls, aged 12 and 14, occurring between February and March 2024.
Turay, who previously taught at St. Joseph Secondary School, is charged with sexual penetration under Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012, as amended in 2019. He also faces a second charge related to sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust, as outlined in Section 21(1)(a) of the same Act.
In court, Turay pleaded not guilty to both charges. During cross-examination, State Prosecutor Musa Pious Sesay Jr. inquired about Turay’s relationship with the victims. Turay acknowledged that one of the victims was his student, but he denied any wrongdoing, labeling the allegations as a “blatant lie.”
The prosecutor pressed Turay regarding his communication with the victim outside of school hours. Turay admitted to sharing his phone number with students for private lessons, but only upon parental request. He confirmed that his phone number, 078486465, is his personal contact.
The prosecutor highlighted that Turay’s phone, which had been seized by the CID Cyber Unit, had shown contact with the victim. Despite Turay’s claims of no communication, his number was found on the victim’s phone. Turay responded that he often received calls and messages from various individuals, suggesting that his number appearing on the victim’s device was not unusual.
When asked about any possible involvement in a syndicate, Turay categorically denied such connections. He also disclosed that he is married with four children, although his family resides abroad, with one of his children attending an international school.
Efforts were made to obtain comments from the school authority regarding the situation, but these attempts were unsuccessful.
Due to the severity of the charges, Justice Stevens denied Turay bail. The case has been adjourned to March 12, 2025, for further proceedings.
The court proceedings are expected to continue as the investigation into these serious allegations unfolds.
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