Thirty-seven years old Joseph Mendel Lamin alias Manager Dust a journalist, twenty-nine years old Morlai Kamara, a bike rider and thirty-five years old Umaru Timbo, a driver made their first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown on two count charges to wit conspiracy to murder contrary to section 4 of the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861 and murder contrary to section 1 of the Offences Against the Persons Act of 1861 as repealed and replaced by section 1(a) of the Schedule of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021, Act No.6 of 2022.

According to the particulars of offence, on Wednesday 15th January, 2025 at the Voice of Peace and Development Radio Station (VOPAD) Kissi Town, Waterloo in the western rural district of Freetown, conspired together and with other persons unknown to commit a felony to wit murder.

Count two further stated that on the same date and place the accused persons murdered Samuel Brima Mattia, a journalist.

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

The Prosecutor, Inspector Kadie M. Taylor sought for a short adjournment date for her to get proper conference with her witness.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Kekura refused bail and sent the accused persons to the male correctional facility in Freetown and matter adjourned to 19th February, 2025.