A 38-year-old man, Aruna Kamara and his 29-year-old wife Sallay Naomie Kamara are reportedly in hiding after a fatal stabbing incident involving a member of the Poro secret society. The sad event occurred during what an eye-witnessed describes as a violent attempt to forcefully initiate the husband into the traditional Poro society.
The incident, which has heightened tensions in parts of the community, occurred on Saturday, 9 November 2025, at about 10:00 p.m. at 52E Fainkray Street, Calaba Town, Freetown.
According to eyewitness, the man, Aruna Kamara, a native of Kolisoko Village in Makarie Gbantie Chiefdom, Bombali District, was at home watching a movie with his wife, Sallay Naomie Kamara, when a group of men allegedly stormed his apartment.
According to Aruna’s Landlady, Marie Kalokoh, a group—whom she identified as members of the Poro society led by one Pa Alie Raka Kargbo—forced their way into Aruna’s residence armed with sticks, knives, and machetes. She said the Poro men demanded that Aruna must accompany them to the village for initiation into the society in fulfilment of what they described as his late father’s ritual obligation.
He was reportedly grabbed by some of the hefty men among them, while his wife fiercely resisted. However, she was overpowered, according to the landlady.
Marie Kalokoh said she came out after hearing the commotion and attempted to intervene, but her efforts were unsuccessful. The struggle reportedly continued for a couple of hours.
“In the process, one of them stabbed Aruna on his side while others were dragging him, causing several injuries to his body. When Aruna’s wife saw blood oozing from his back, she took a knife and stabbed the alleged attacker of her husband,” the landlady said.
As the situation escalated, she said she raised an alarm, drawing the attention of nearby youths who rushed to the scene. During the chaos, Aruna reportedly managed to free himself and, in the ensuing struggle, Aruna stabbed the man in the neck and back. The landlady added that the victim was later admitted to hospital in critical condition.
Following the incident, members of the Poro society allegedly reported the matter to the police and the police declared Aruna and his wife wanted for attempted murder. The landlady further claimed that shortly afterwards, the group returned to Aruna’s apartment and vandalized his property.
This medium visited the Rokel Police Station in the east end of Freetown, where Poro members led by Pa Alie Raka Kargbo officially filed a complaint against Aruna and his wife. According to the Crime Officer, Inspector Johnson, Aruna and his wife, who are on the run, have been charged with wounding with intent and attempted murder. He said the couple were invited twice by the police but failed to honour the invitations, prompting the issuance of a warrant for their arrest.
The Police have announced a reward of NLe 25,000 for any individual who provides credible information that will lead to the arrest of Aruna and his wife, who are currently being sought by law enforcement authorities.
Police say members of the public with relevant information are therefore urged to assist by coming forward with details that could help facilitate the apprehension of the couple. Authorities have assured that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Background to the Dispute
The Poro society is a powerful traditional institution operating in parts of West Africa, including Sierra Leone. In many communities, it plays a central role in cultural governance and initiation rites.
Undisclosed sources told this medium that Aruna’s ordeal began after the death of his father, Pa Lamin Kamara, in July 2025. According to longstanding custom in his community, deceased elders of the Poro society are expected to be symbolically replaced by their eldest male child.
However, sources said Aruna rejected the demand, citing fear for his life and alleging that initiates are subjected to torture, inhumane treatment, and, in extreme cases, death during rituals conducted in the bush.
According to the landlady, following his father’s death, she travelled to Aruna’s village to sympathise with the family, where she discovered that Poro elders took the body into the bush for seven days to perform traditional rites, placing what she described as a heavy financial burden on the family. As the only male child among two sisters, Marie Kalokoh said pressure mounted on Aruna to assume his father’s position within the society.
Alleged Threats and Pursuit
A father of two, Aruna reportedly stopped visiting his hometown due to persistent threats from members of the Poro society. The landlady further alleged that they continued to pursue him in Calaba Town, forcing him to relocate to different areas in western Freetown.
A reliable source told this medium that Aruna’s wife was later fined by members of the society for allegedly insulting them during their previous visit. The source further claimed that a local chief, Pa Alimamy Tholey, ordered her to observe certain customary rites to avert calamity.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about forced initiation into secret societies, particularly where such practices conflict with constitutional rights to freedom of association and personal liberty.
While customary practices are recognised under Sierra Leonean law, legal experts maintain that they cannot supersede the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Although successive governments and some rights organisations have attempted to halt unlawful initiation practices, their efforts have reportedly been undermined by the significant influence wielded by the Poro society.
As of press time, the couple remains in hiding, fearing for their safety amid ongoing tensions following the fatal stabbing. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited debate over the balance between cultural tradition and individual rights in Sierra Leone.
