AYV News, October 14, 2024
A High Court in Sierra Leone, presided by Honourable Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah-Stevens has been sentenced one Prince Osman Bangura to 165 years in imprisonment, after being found Guilty and Convicted on Human Trafficking related charges of a female victim.
Prince Osman Bangura was found guilty on 6 counts and was sentenced 25 years on Count 1, on Count 2: 30 years, Count 3: 25 years, Count 4: 30 years, Count 5: 25 years and Count 6: 30 years.
Responding to the judgement, Socio-Political Advocate, Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden said: “Today’s judgment by Honourable Justice Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens is going to be a pivotal point in Sierra Leone’s efforts to combat Human Trafficking and torture of victims; especially women. The address of the Hon. Judge, as he pronounced the sentence on the Convict, was that the inhuman torture, including sexual abuse, amidst criminal trafficking of the female victim, deserved harsh Jail terms handed down after the High Court convicted the Accused to be Guilty on all charges”.
Dr. Blyden and True Hope Foundation International stood by the survivor throughout her journey, ensuring her safe repatriation to Sierra Leone and providing the legal assistance she needed to pursue this case.
Chief Executive Officer and Founder of True Hope Foundation, Patrick Adeyemi Buckle, said the judgement marks a significant step towards justice for victims of trafficking.
He said: “This victory is a testament to the power of justice and the resilience of survivors. We extend our deepest gratitude to the judiciary for their unwavering commitment to ending Human Trafficking and delivering justice”.
Family members of the survivor, expressed thanks and appreciation to True Hope Foundation, Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden, the Judiciary and Hon. Justice Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens.
The family said: “We want to thank True Hope Foundation, Dr. Blyden and Hon. Justice Stevens for what they did for our sister. You all have done so much for us and we cannot tell it all. You stood by us, may the living God always be with you. Your voice took us far and that made our sister to get justice.
True Hope Foundation works to eliminate Child and Human Trafficking and empower its survivors to heal, hopefully making it become history through care provided for them. The Foundation endeavor to build a world where all individuals are free from the shackles of exploitation and oppression, as they work to end the exploitation of individuals and communities affected by human trafficking in Sierra Leone.
