By Audrey Raymonda John

Sulaiman Conteh, 58, has confessed to the court that he only used a kitchen knife and harmer to kill his sister, Isha Saidu Hughes, admitting that the allegation levied against him is true and correct. He pleaded with the bench for forgiveness and mercy.

He made this revelation on Wednesday this week before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No 1, in Freetown after the prosecution witness (PW)5 , Sergeant 5877 Alimamy Kamara, who doubles as Exhibit Clerk attached to the Kissy Police Division in Freetown.

After the confession statement by the accused, the police prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohamed B. Conteh intimated the court that he had closed his case for the prosecution.

Sulaiman Conteh appeared before the court on a count of murder contrary to the law of Sierra Leone.

It was alleged that the accused, on Friday 14th July 2023 at No. 6A Savage Street Wellington in Freetown

Prosecution witness (PW ) 5,  Sergeant 5877 Alimamy Abu Kamara attached to the Exhibit Office at the Kissy Police Station in Freetown highlighted his duties and responsibilities including receiving exhibits from investigators for safekeeping and tendered them in court when the need arises .

Sergeant Kamara added that he could recall 20th July 2023.

He said he was at the said unit at the Kissy Police Station, when Detective Police Constable (DPC)17945  Mohamed Koroma handed over the following items such as an old cutlass with a black handle, a harmer with a wooden handle, a kitchen knife with black handle, and a metal sharp object as exhibits all with blood stains.

PW 5 said, he registered them as Court Exhibits Book against serial RC 94/2023 , adding that since then they had been in his custody.

‘I wish now to produce and tender to form part of the court’s records,’ Sergeant Kamara concluded.

Though the accused was not legally represented, Magistrate Kekura accorded him an opportunity to cross examine the witness.

Responding, instead of asking questions, he confessed to the court and pleaded for forgiveness and mercy.

Magistrate Kekura denied the accused bail and remanded him  at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown.

The matter was adjourned to 25th August 2023 for further hearing.