Samuel Kallon 
There have been ‘procedural irregularities’ being noticed in the ongoing murder trial of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia.
The murder case took a critical turn during a prosecution witness examination at the Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown.
The matter was presided over by Magistrate Sahr Kekura.
Journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, popularly known as “Manager Dust,” is standing trial alongside a commercial bike rider Morlia Kamara and driver Umaru Timbo. There are two counts charges meted out against both suspects in the matter: conspiracy to commit murder and murder, contrary to the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021.
The prosecution man alleges that on January 15, 2025, at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissy Town, Waterloo, the two accused were found to have conspired with others to murder journalist Samuel Brima Mattia.
During the cross-examination, led by M. Baratay, defense lawyer noticed inconsistencies as statements were obtained from the accused persons.
The prosecution witness, when questioned, confirmed that he and inspectors: Matthew and Foday were present during the recording of statements made by the accused.
The defense asked whether the two accused and another were present during the initial statement-taking.
The witness replied that only the first accused was present at that time while the second and third accused were brought in later to be questioned.
When questioned about their legal representation, the witness admitted that no lawyer was initially present, but one arrived there after some time.
The lawyer that later arrived did not prove active during the initial interrogation.
A document marked as Exhibit B1–25 was tendered in court.
The witness said the document was obtained from a colleague and was in his custody, and that writing or so was not authored by him.
He only took a charge statement from the accused, he said.
When asked to read it, the State Counsel interjected in the process, stating that there was no formal charge statement in the file.
Defense Counsel for the first accused, M. Baratay, initially requested an adjournment but abruptly chose to continue the proceedings.
Magistrate Kekura raised an objection due to the confusion made by the defense and ruled out to adjourn the matter, citing “procedural irregularities.”
The case is adjourned until May 27th 2025 for another hearing.
