A young man, Ishmail Kamara, is reportedly on the run after an incident in the Kingtom Barracks area of Freetown caused strong reactions in his community.
According to reports, Ishmail, who lived with his family on Pultney Street, began facing threats and harassment after he was allegedly found with another man, Sultan, in the house of Sultan’s uncle. Since then, tensions have risen, with some people in the community said to be looking for him.
Ishmail comes from a strict Muslim family, and his father is known as a Chief Imam. The family is widely respected in the area, so news of the incident shocked many residents. Some expressed anger and disappointment, saying it goes against their cultural and religious beliefs.
A resident who said they knew Ishmail for years mentioned that he had always kept his private life secret. “We never knew about this side of him until now,” the person said.
The incident reportedly happened on 14th February 2023, when an officer is said to have found Ishmail and his partner together. The officer allegedly assaulted both men but Ishmail ran away and find way to treat himself for fear of being molested and arrested.
The law states that male same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Section 61 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861, and imprisonment for life is possible. That is anyone arrested and charged to court and found guilty of acts related to homosexuality, will face life imprisonment with hard labour.
His partner, Sultan, was reportedly arrested at the scene and later imprisoned in Freetown.
Fearing for his safety and possible arrest, Ishmail is said to have escaped. A close friend reportedly advised him not to return home, warning that some community members, including people close to his family, were angry and might harm him.
Sources say the situation left him very distressed and afraid for his life. Shortly after, he is believed to have fled the country.
There were also reports that some people later went to his family home after hearing he had returned, but this information turned out to be false.
The incident has raised concerns about safety, community reactions, and the challenges faced by people in similar situations.
