Hawanatu Hawa Koroma on Wednesday 19th February, 2025 has been committed to High Court by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 for allegedly pouring fuel on her husband and set him ablaze which led to his death.

The accused was arraigned before the court on a count charge of murder contrary to section 1 of the Offences against the Person’s Act of 1816 as repealed and replaced by section (1a) of the Schedule of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act of 2021 Act No.6 of 2022.

The charge sheet indicated that the accused on Friday 22nd November, 2024 back of Leicester Peak junction in Freetown murdered Nabieu Bangura.

When the charge was read and explained to the accused on her first appearance, no plea taken.

The Prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led five witnesses and the file was withdrawn for ruling. Magistrate Bangura in his ruling said that because of the indictable nature of offence the matter had to be proceeded with as a preliminary investigation.

In that regard, the prosecution is required to adduce sufficient evidence that should establish a prema face case to be answered by the accused in order for her to be committed and stand trial at the High Court.

He said in discharging this burden against the accused, the prosecution called only five witnesses who testified and were cross-examined.

He said he carefully read the evidence herein in its entirety and saw that the prosecution was able to establish a prema face case against the accused. This is especially so when almost all the witnesses have established the fact that the accused poured petrol on the deceased and set him ablaze.

In pursuance of section 120 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965, I hereby commit the accused to the High Court for proper trial.

The accused was represented by A.N.D Musa Esq.