Twenty-eight year old Adekalie Conteh a businessman made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown on three count charges to wit conspiracy to murder contrary to section 4 of the Offences against the Persons Act 1861, murder contrary to section one of the Offences against the Persons Act 1861 as repealed and replaced by Section 1 (a) to the Schedule of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021 Act No.6 of 2022 and malicious damage contrary to section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861.

According to the particulars of offence, on Sunday 16th February, 2025 at Tokeh Grassfield main Peninsular Road in the western area of Freetown, conspired together with other persons unknown to commit a crime to wit murder.

Count two further stated that on the same date and place, the accused murdered Andrew Mansaray.

Count three, on the same date and place, the accused person maliciously damaged one Bluetooth musical set valued at three thousand new leones property of Francis Lebbie.

When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea taken.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led in Prosecution witness number one Memunatu Bendu a house wife said he knew the deceased Andrew Mansaray as her elder brother and that he did not know the accused person.

She recalled on 9th February 2025 she was at home with the deceased and family and something happened.

On 9th February, 2025 the deceased went out to the Aberdeen Beach and on the following morning he came but she was informed about his return by his cousin who told her that the deceased asked for a dress and that according to the deceased, his mobile phone together with the dress were taken away from him. She added that the deceased left again on the 11th February, 2025, noting that later her husband called and told her that the deceased was with the accused. The witness said at some point one Ratty called and told her that he was holding the deceased hostage for his money and since then she didn’t see him again until the said Ratty called and told her that the deceased was dead and asked her to meet him first at Peninsular Road and later told her at Adonkia police station. She said she went to Adonkia police station where she found the deceased dead and identified him and made statements to the police at Adonkia police station, she concluded.

The witness was cross examined by M.W Jalloh Esq.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Bangura sent the accused to the male correctional facility in Freetown matter adjourned to the 4th April, 2025.