By Elizabeth Kamara
Late Samuel Mattia was brutally murdered
Three men, including a radio station manager, have been remanded for their alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia.
Joseph Mendel Lamin, alias Manager Dust, a 37-year-old journalist; Morlia Kamara, a 29-year-old commercial bike rider; and Umaru Timbo, a 35-year-old driver, made their first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown.
They are facing two charges: conspiracy to commit murder, contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and murder, contrary to Section 1 of the same Act, as repealed and replaced by Section 1(a) of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2022).
According to the prosecution, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo, Western Rural District, the accused conspired with unknown individuals to commit murder. The second charge alleges that they intentionally killed journalist Samuel Brima Mattia on the same date and location.
When the charges were read in court, the accused persons did not enter a plea. Prosecuting officer Inspector Kadie M. Taylor requested a short adjournment to prepare her witnesses.
Magistrate Kekura denied bail and ordered the accused to be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned to February 19, 2025, for further hearings.
