By Alimatu Kargbo
In a case that has sparked national concern over press freedom and justice, journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, popularly known as “Manager Dust,” appeared for the fifth time before Principal Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1, alongside co-accused Morlia Kamara, a bike rider, and Umaru Timbo, a driver.
The trio faces two charges, conspiracy to commit murder and murder under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021.
The prosecution alleges that on January 15, 2025, the accused, together with others, planned and executed the murder of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo.
In a strategic legal move during the latest proceedings, defense counsel M. Barateh, representing the first accused, informed the court that his legal team had already submitted a written address dated June 10, 2025. The address outlines the defense’s position on the evidence presented so far and challenges the prosecution’s narrative linking the accused to the crime.
Barateh emphasized that the defense’s submission was grounded on procedural fairness, arguing that the evidence laid out by the prosecution lacked the strength required to warrant committal to the High Court.
This move parallels other high-profile cases currently before the judiciary, where defense teams have pushed back on prosecution applications seeking High Court trials, citing lack of concrete evidence.
Legal analysts noted that Barateh’s early submission may be aimed at pre-empting a prosecution application for committal, potentially slowing the path to trial while asserting the accused’s right to a fair hearing.
The case which has attracted wide media attention due to the victim’s journalistic background, continues to raise questions about safety for media practitioners in Sierra Leone and the pace of justice delivery in politically sensitive matters.
The court is expected to rule soon on whether the matter will proceed to the High Court as both prosecution and defense sharpen their strategies.
Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah adjourned the case to the 12th June 2025 for further proceedings.
