By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Authorities in Sierra Leone have arrested and detained a man and several of his family members over an alleged child marriage, as the government steps up enforcement of new child protection laws.
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying the operation was carried out under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Child Rights Act 2025. The ministry said it acted with support from community structures, development partners, and the Family Support Unit.
Police investigators have obtained statements from the suspects, including the alleged perpetrator and relatives linked to the case. The child at the center of the incident is receiving psychosocial support and has been placed in a safe home while assessments of her emotional and psychological condition continue.
Officials said monitoring and welfare measures remain ongoing to ensure the victim’s safety and recovery.
The ministry also urged the public to report cases of child abuse and exploitation through the national 116 hotline. It expressed concern over the spread of photos and videos of the child on social media, warning that sharing such material violates the victim’s dignity and privacy.
“We strongly appeal to the public to stop circulating the child’s images and videos from earlier posts,” the ministry said.
Blogging platforms, media houses, and social media users were cautioned to exercise restraint when handling child-related and gender-sensitive content, with the ministry stressing that the identity, safety, and welfare of children must be protected under the law and journalistic ethics.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ending child marriage and all forms of violence against children, calling on citizens and partners to support efforts to safeguard the rights of vulnerable minors nationwide.
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