Child rights defenders in Waterloo are demanding swift justice after allegations that Mr. Mohamed Abdul Leigh impregnated a Junior Secondary School (JSS) 11 pupil of the Moana Jonny Secondary School Camp Junction Waterloo and abandoned her.
The case has ignited outrage among community members and advocates, who insist that authorities must act decisively to protect minors from abuse and exploitation.
Mr. Mohamed Kargbo a human rights activists at Waterloo voiced his frustration over what they describe as a pattern of impunity in cases of sexual violence against children. “This is not just about one girl, it is about the safety of every child in Sierra Leone, and we cannot allow perpetrators to walk free while survivors suffer in silence.” Mr. Mohamed Abdul Leigh should face justice he added.
Parents and teachers in the community echoed these concerns, warning that unchecked abuse undermines education and erodes trust in institutions meant to safeguard children.
Sierra Leone’s Sexual Offences Act of 2019 strengthened protections for minors, criminalizing sexual relations with children under 18 and imposing severe penalties on offenders. However, enforcement remains inconsistent. Legal experts note that delays in prosecution, lack of resources, and social stigma often prevent survivors from receiving justice.
“Laws are in place, but implementation is weak,” explained a Freetown-based lawyer specializing in child protection. “Cases like this highlight the urgent need for stronger coordination between police, courts, and social services.”
Child abuse remains a serious issue in Sierra Leone. According to UNICEF, nearly one in three girls’ experiences sexual violence before the age of 18. Early pregnancy is also widespread, with thousands of girls forced to drop out of school each year due to abuse and exploitation.
Campaigners argue that beyond prosecution, survivors need access to counseling, medical care, and educational support. “Justice is not only about punishing the perpetrator,” said a representative from a local NGO. “It is also about restoring dignity and opportunity to the child.”
Child rights defenders in Waterloo are urging authorities to ensure that Mr. Leigh faces trial under the law. They also call for broader reforms, including: Increased funding for child protection services, community education programs to challenge harmful norms and stronger monitoring of schools to safeguard pupils
“This case must not be swept under the carpet,” activists declared. “Justice for one child is justice for all.”
The Informant investigation team was also alerted that this is not the first or second time, as the accused is known for exploiting young girls by sleeping with them.
A community member told The Informant that the government, through the Hands Off Our Girl, should step into the matter for justice to prevail, while emphasizing the importance of protecting school girls from abuse, noting that education and safety must go hand in hand.
When The Informant investigation team contacted Mr. Mohamed Abdul Leigh for his side of the story through his phone, he declined not to comment.
The Informant investigation team has more evidence to help the authorities in their investigations.