By: Audrey Raymonda John
An ongoing high-profile murder case saw Prince Thomas, alias Chair Sharkur, a 31-year-old driver; Christian Omotunde Aitkins, a 56-year-old teacher; and Marion Conteh arraigned before Magistrate Adama Kandeh at Pademba Road Court No. 2. They face four counts related to the alleged murder.
The accused were charged with Conspiracy to Murder contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861; Murder contrary to Section 1 of the same Act as repealed and replaced by Section 1(a) of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2022); and Causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
When the charges were read and explained, no plea was taken from the accused.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Saturday, 22nd March 2025, at Dalley Street, Regent Village in the Western Area of Sierra Leone, the accused conspired with others unknown to murder Momodu Bangura.
Count two states that on the same date and place, they conspired with others to commit a crime.
Count three alleges that Prince Thomas alias Chair Sharkur murdered Momodu Bangura at the same date and place.
Count four indicates that all the accused wounded Ibrahim Sorie Sankoh with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The prosecution, led by Sergeant 8811 Wilson F.M.J., called Detective Constable 18127 Fadima Kamara from the Scientific Support Unit at Central Police Station as a witness. On Friday, 28th March 2025, Detective Kamara and Detective Sergeant Marcarthy (10601) witnessed the autopsy examination of the remains of Momodu Bangura at the Connaught Mortuary.
Detective Kamara testified that the autopsy was conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma and his team. Due to emergency circumstances and delay, the witness used his iPhone X to take photographic evidence during the examination, which he submitted as Exhibit L.
The photographs, marked as Exhibits LL to 29, were shown, produced, and tendered in court.
The witness was cross-examined by defense counsel J.M. Jengo.
Due to the seriousness of the charges, Magistrate Kandeh refused bail and remanded the accused to the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The case has been adjourned to 3rd June 2025 for further proceedings.