Journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, alias Manager Dust, 37, along with Morlai Kamara, 29, a bike rider, and Umaru Timbo, 35 a driver, made their second appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1, Freetown.

They face two charges: 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 accused conspired with others to murder journalist Samuel Brima Mattia.

During the hearing on February 19, 2025, the first prosecution witness, Shebora Bangura, a staff member at VOPAD, testified.

He stated that he knew the deceased, Samuel Brima Mattia, as his former boss and that he worked closely with the first accused, Joseph Mendel Lamin, the Station Manager.

Bangura recalled that on January 15, 2025, he arrived at the office at 7:00am, where he found Mattia already present. The two worked until the evening. Around 8:00pm, Lamin the first accused inquired about Mattia’s whereabouts.

Bangura informed him that Mattia was likely in his office. Later, Lamin returned, claiming he could not find Mattia. He then instructed Bangura to inform him once Mattia returns.

When Mattia later arrived, Bangura notified Lamin via WhatsApp. Lamin then entered Mattia’s office and later stated that they were going out to visit someone.

At around 9:30pm, Lamin instructed Bangura to fetch his phone from his residence behind the office. Upon returning, Lamin asked if he had seen anyone on the road, which Bangura denied. Lamin then reportedly commented that “the woman at home is safe.”

The next day, January 16, 2025, Bangura arrived at the office, but it was locked. Assuming Mattia had not yet returned, he went to Lamin’s residence to borrow the key. Lamin provided only the front door key. Later that day, Mattia’s family arrived at the office searching for him. Unable to locate him, they reported the matter to the Kissy Town Police Station.

Subsequently, both Bangura and Lamin were taken into police custody for questioning.

The court has adjourned the case to Friday, February 21st 2025, for further hearings.