By Fatmata Jengbe
In the heart of Sierra Leone, according to one of our ace reporters, Alvin Lansana Kargbo who residents narrated to in this human interest story, a young man named Alie Hassan Komeh, born on December 10, 2002, is trapped in a deadly struggle for survival. Declared wanted by law enforcement officials and members of the powerful Poro Society, his life hangs precariously in the balance. Once a resident of Magburuka Town in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone Alie Hassan Komeh, is now a fugitive on the run, accused of defying both legal and cultural authority in a story that epitomizes the complex interplay between tradition and the rule of law.
The Poro Society, a revered and secretive male cultural institution in Sierra Leone, plays an influential role in the country’s cultural and social fabric. With roots tracing back centuries, its rituals, customs and laws are guarded with strict confidentiality. Breaches of these traditions are considered sacrilegious, often met with severe and sometimes fatal consequences.
Alie Hassan Komeh’s troubles began when he became entangled in this cultural web. His uncle, a staunch member of the society, forcibly took him to the initiation bush; a secluded area where the Poro Society conducts its sacred ceremonies. Initiation into the society is a rite of passage for many young men in Sierra Leone, but it is also shrouded in mystery and fear for outsiders.
Despite his resistance, Alie Hassan Komeh, was coerced into witnessing rituals meant exclusively for initiated members. These rituals are considered deeply sacred and the presence of an uninitiated individual is regarded as a grave transgression. In the dead of night, overwhelmed with fear and desperation, Alie Hassan Komeh, made a daring escape from the initiation bush.
Fleeing Magburuka, he sought refuge with a compassionate stranger who helped him reach Freetown. However, his escape incited the wrath of his uncle and the Poro Society. His uncle, enraged by the perceived dishonor, launched a relentless campaign to track him down.
The first step was to lodge a formal complaint with the Sierra Leone Police. Fabricated charges of grand theft and other offenses were filed against Alie Hassan Komeh, branding him as a criminal in the eyes of the law. The police declared him wanted, amplifying his vulnerability. Simultaneously, influential elders in Magburuka, including the Paramount Chief, filed a separate complaint accusing him of violating sacred Poro Society traditions. These accusations, though rooted in cultural beliefs, carry life-threatening implications. His plight was first captured and reported by a local tabloid in Freetown on April 5,2021 as it was intimated by residents to one of our ace reporters, Alvin Kargbo who was on a three-day assignment in Magburuka to cover a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a community centre and the commissioning of a six classroom building by an International Non-Governmental Organization in that part of the country.
The gravity of the situation escalated on July 10, 2024, when Alie Hassan Komeh, born was once again declared wanted, this time with a renewed vigor from both the police and the Poro Society. His predicament had become a chilling tale of being hunted by two powerful forces: the formal legal system and a traditional institution capable of exacting brutal justice.
Alie Hassan Komeh’s plight highlights the peril of living at the intersection of tradition and modernity. If apprehended by the Poro Society, he faces the very real possibility of torture or even death. The society views his actions not merely as a personal affront but as a violation of its core principles; a betrayal that demands retribution.
On the other hand, being caught by the police presents its own risks. The fabricated charges leveled against him by his uncle could lead to imprisonment, further compounded by his limited resources to mount a defense. In a legal system where influence and connections can overshadow fairness, Alie Hassan Komeh’s chances of a fair trial appear slim.
Adding to his woes, the cultural stigma surrounding his alleged transgressions isolates him further. Even those who might sympathize with his plight are reluctant to intervene, fearing repercussions from the powerful Poro Society.
Despite his desperate escape, Alie Hassan Komeh, remains a wanted man. His exact whereabouts are unknown, but speculation among residents of Magburuka suggests he may still be in hiding somewhere in Sierra Leone. The pursuit, however, has not waned. In July 2024, the search for him intensified, with his name resurfacing in police announcements and local tabloid reports.
The relentless hunt for Alie Hassan Komeh is a testament to the enduring influence of cultural institutions like the Poro Society in Sierra Leone. It also underscores the potential misuse of legal mechanisms to settle personal and cultural vendettas, as evidenced by his uncle’s fabricated accusations.
Alie Hassan Komeh’s case has drawn the attention of human rights advocates and legal experts, who argue that his situation demands urgent intervention. They emphasize the need for a balanced approach that respects cultural traditions while safeguarding individual rights.
Legal experts have called for an impartial investigation into the charges against him, insisting that due process must be followed to ensure justice. At the same time, human rights organizations are urging authorities to address the broader issue of cultural practices that conflict with fundamental human rights.
The Government of Sierra Leone is being urged to mediate between the Poro Society and individuals like Alie Hassan Komeh, who find themselves at odds with its traditions. Advocacy groups argue that such mediation could pave the way for a more harmonious coexistence between traditional practices and the rule of law.
As Alie Hassan Komeh, born remains in hiding, his future is fraught with uncertainty. The dual threats of legal prosecution and cultural retribution weigh heavily on him. His story is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by individuals caught between the demands of tradition and the complexities of modern legal systems.
It also raises critical questions about the role of cultural institutions in contemporary society and the extent to which they should influence individual rights and freedoms.
The case of Alie Hassan Komeh serves as a wake-up call for Sierra Leonean society. It highlights the urgent need to address the tensions between deeply ingrained cultural practices and the principles of justice and human rights.
For Alie Hassan Komeh the stakes could not be higher. His life and freedom depend on a swift and balanced resolution to his plight. The question remains: will Sierra Leone rise to the occasion and reconcile the demands of tradition with the imperatives of justice or will Alie Hassan Komeh become yet another victim of a system where cultural norms and legal frameworks are at odds?
His story is a powerful reminder that no one should have to choose between their life and their principles. The time for action is now, before it is too late for Alie Hassan Komeh.
