As Dauda Laingay Bangura Leads Enforcement Drive on Monday 12 October 2026 NPAA announced a win in its mission to protect and manage Sierra Leone’s protected areas. This came after a landmark court decision in the case of IGP v. Mohamed Charlie. The case was heard by Magistrate Solomon Christian Kekura. He gave Mohamed Charlie the punishment after the man admitted guilt to two offences: unlawful entry and illegal deforestation. These crimes go against Section 7 of the Wildlife Conservation Act of 1972. This judgment sends a message that illegal acts inside protected areas will not be allowed. It also shows how determined Sierra Leone’s environmental authorities are to enforce rules that safeguard the nations forests, wildlife, rivers and other vital ecosystems. During the trial Dauda Laingay Bangura, Esq. the head of the Law Enforcement and Compliance Department of NPAA gave the court a presentation. He explained the laws that govern protected‑area management and the punishments that apply. He highlighted how environmental damage the defendant is said to have caused. He also showed the impact of these actions on the forest and on Mambo Waterfall, a vital natural resource that must be protected. He stressed that environmental crimes are not just wrongs against government property.
The damage to protected forests and natural resources hurts communities reduces biodiversity hurts water supplies weakens climate resilience and harms generations. According to the case presented to the Court the defendant was described as a charcoal burner who had continued his activities despite several warnings from NPAA and some community stakeholders. The repeated nature of the alleged activities, coupled with the consequences underscored the need for firm enforcement and appropriate judicial sanctions. When he gave his judgment Magistrate Solomon Christian Kekura said, “Enough is enough.” The court then sentenced Mohamed Charlie to four years in prison. He could pay a fine of Le30,000. This decision is a moment for environmental law in Sierra Leone. The forests and protected areas are under growing pressure from acts such as deforestation, charcoal burning, encroachment, hunting and other kinds of environmental damage. After the judgment Dauda Laingay Bangura, Esq. praised the Court. Reaffirmed that NPAA will keep targeting people who break the law inside protected areas. This action shows that NPAA is not a protector on paper.
NPAA will use the justice system to make sure environmental laws are followed and wrongdoers are punished. Under NPAAs law enforcement and compliance teams the Authority keeps stressing how important it is for police, judges, local communities, traditional leaders, civil society groups and others to work together to protect Sierra Leone’s heritage. The case also shows how vital community help is in protecting the environment. Those who live near areas are often the first to see illegal acts and they can report these acts and help conservation work. The result of IGP v. Mohamed Charlie comes at a time when protecting the environment’s very important to Sierra Leone’s national development plan. Forests and protected areas give services. They conserve biodiversity protect water, store carbon, regulate climate offer tourism opportunities and support community livelihoods. When these resources are destroyed by acts the damage can last a long time and cost a lot to fix. NPAA’s message is clear: protected areas must stay protected and environmental laws must be enforced. This landmark judgment along with Dauda Laingay Bangura, Esq.’s advocacy sends a strong warning to anyone who deforests illegally or does other forbidden acts. Such violations can lead to legal penalties. As Sierra Leone keeps improving its governance this case reminds everyone that protecting the nation’s forests, waterfalls, wildlife and other natural resources is a shared duty and if laws are broken enforcement must follow. The message from the Court and NPAA is unmistakable: Sierra Leone’s protected areas are not open, for exploitation.
