New details have emerged in the case of Ibrahim Bah, a married man from Brookfields, Freetown, who went into hiding after allegations that he was involved in a same-sex encounter with Habib Turay, who has also disappeared. Bah’s wife, Isatu Koroma, is reportedly still in hiding after sustaining injuries during violent clashes between the two families.
The incident allegedly occurred on 8 July 2025, at Calaba Town, when Habib’s uncle, Alie Turay, is said to have discovered the two men in an intimate position. Witnesses claim Alie attempted to restrain them while shouting for help. In the struggle that followed, Ibrahim allegedly struck Alie with a stick before fleeing with Habib.
Eyewitnesses say Alie returned the next day with a group of men who stormed Ibrahim’s home, destroyed property, and held his wife hostage. Isatu was reportedly beaten severely before she managed to escape. Neighbors described the attack as chaotic and fueled by longstanding cultural, religious, and legal hostility toward same-sex relationships.
Ibrahim, a Fullah and practising Muslim, has reportedly been disowned by his family, who expressed anger and shame over the allegations. Their reaction reflects the broader societal climate in Sierra Leone, where homosexuality is widely condemned and criminalised. Under the colonial-era Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, same-sex activity between men remains illegal, carrying penalties that can reach life imprisonment. Although arrests are uncommon, the law reinforces stigma and often enables community-driven reprisals.
Police have reportedly opened an investigation, and Ibrahim, his wife, and Habib are now said to be wanted for their alleged “crime.” Residents claim that Alie Turay, described as a prominent figure within the current government, is using his influence to track down the men and has vowed to “deal with them.”
Both Ibrahim and Habib remain missing. Locals say they fear the men may face violent retaliation, abduction, or other harm — risks commonly faced by individuals accused of same-sex conduct in conservative communities. Authorities have yet to release further details on the investigation.
Human rights observers say the case highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for vulnerable individuals caught at the intersection of criminalisation, deep-seated stigma, and community violence.
