Prosecution Testifies In Court

By: Haja Adama Mansaray
Journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, popularly known as “Manager Dust,” along with bike rider Morlia Kamara and Umaru Timbo, a driver made their fourth court appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1. The trio is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and murder, contrary to the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021. According to the prosecution, on January 15, 2025, the accused persons together with others unknown, allegedly conspired and murdered journalist Samuel Brima Mattia at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Inspector Abubakarr Kargbo testified before Magistrate Patrick Fofanah at the same court. He presented documents marked Exhibit D1–17, which included conversations between the second accused and others referencing the first accused. He said the material was forwarded to the Cyber Unit and the Law Officers’ Department for further analysis.
Inspector Kargbo further testified that on February 7, 2025, he interviewed the first accused in Krio, with the responses recorded in English. At the end of the interview, the accused confirmed the contents as accurate and signed with his right thumbprint.
Inspector Kargbo signed as the recorder, and a colleague signed as witness.
He also revealed that he and Inspector K. Matthew interviewed the second accused in February 2025, charging him with conspiracy to commit murder. The interview was conducted in Krio, and the responses were translated and confirmed by the accused, who also signed using their thumbprints.

The matter has been adjourned to Tuesday, May 20, 2025, for further hearing.