By: Audrey Raymonda John
Journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, also known as “Manager Dust,” along with Morlia Kamara, a bike rider, and Umaru Timbo, a driver, appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Tuesday, 3 June 2025. They are currently awaiting committal to the High Court for further trial.
The trio faces two charges: conspiracy to murder and murder, under the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act of 2021.
The prosecution alleges that on January 15, 2025, at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo, Lamin and his co-accused conspired to kill journalist Samuel Brima Mattia.
During the court session, the prosecutor, ASP Ibrahim Mansaray, stated that the case falls under preliminary investigation and that he has successfully presented three witnesses. He further requested that the case be committed to the High Court for trial and that the exhibits intended for the Magistrate’s Court be admitted in the High Court instead.
Defense Counsel Abdulai Barateh informed the court that he would submit his response to the prosecution’s evidence in writing.
Magistrate Jah adjourned the matter for 48 hours, noting the seriousness of the murder charge. Counsel Barateh requested a one-week adjournment to prepare his written submission.
The case was subsequently adjourned to 10 June 2025 for the defense to submit its written documents.