The Wa High Court has sentenced Imam Ilyasu Kunateh to 10 years in prison for defiling a 7-year-old boy who happens to be a neighbor.
Prosecutors alleged that Kunateh exploited his role as Imam to gain access to the boy living in Kwabenya in Wa with his sister, a neighborhood where the suspect also resides.
Reports indicate that the incident took place on January 17, 2026 where the suspect lured the boy with a free ride home.
It is reported that he led the victim to a hidden spot behind the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, where the incident occurred.
Mr. Kunateh owned up to bringing the child to the said location; however, he refuted the accusation of defilement.
But, the prosecution based its case on medical evidence provided by experts, in conjunction with the child’s testimony, which the court deemed adequate to confirm his participation in the offence.
Based on the evidence provided, the Wa High Court reached a conviction and subsequently imposed a custodial sentence of 10 years, including hard labour.
