Journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, known as “Manager Dust,” along with Morlia Kamara, a bike rider, and Umaru Timbo, a driver, have made their fourth appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1. They are facing serious charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder under the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021.

The prosecution alleges that on January 15, 2025, at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo, the defendants conspired with others to murder journalist Samuel Brima Mattia.

During the ongoing cross-examination led by M. Barateh, witness Abubakarr Kargbo was asked to read a statement he had previously submitted regarding the first accused. The statement included the denial from the first accused, who claimed, “I have no arms in the death of Mattia.” When the defense counsel inquired if this was indeed a denial, the witness affirmed, “Yes.”

The defense further questioned the witness about the investigation at VOPAD Radio, confirming that no altercation had occurred at the station. The witness also acknowledged that he did not find any corpse at the crime scene on January 15. When asked about the location of the body, the witness stated that he had been informed by the prosecution that the corpse was discovered behind the Sierra Leone Correctional Center fence in Waterloo.

The witness confirmed that the body of the deceased was not found at VOPAD Radio and clarified that during his visit to the station, the first accused was not present. He explained that he had gone to the station with the initial crime investigator. Additionally, when asked whether he conducted any scientific examination on the electric cable observed during the investigation, the witness replied, “No.” He also stated that he and Inspector K. Matthew had obtained statements from the first accused.

The matter has been adjourned to June 3rd 2025, for further hearing.