By: Audrey Raymonda John
High Court Judge Alfred Ganda has warned that the accused, Abdul Kpaka, may be discharged if the prosecution continues to delay proceedings in his ongoing murder trial over the death of his girlfriend, Sia Fatu Kamara.
The warning came during a hearing at High Court No. 2, Freetown, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, following the absence of the state prosecutor. The lead defence lawyer, Emmanuel Teddy Koroma, urged the court to discharge his client due to repeated delays by the prosecution.
The defence presented two options: either to discharge the accused from the charges or for the prosecution to close its case promptly, allowing the accused the opportunity to defend himself.
While the prosecution’s witnesses were present in court, the state prosecutor was notably absent. Defence counsel Koroma highlighted that they, along with the jurors, had been waiting since the morning for the case to commence.
Koroma also noted a marked difference in how the prosecution handled the case previously when it was tried by a judge alone. At that time, witnesses were presented swiftly. However, since the trial began being heard by both judge and jurors, the prosecution has frequently been absent.
Before ruling, Judge Ganda requested the contact number of the state prosecutor, Yusuf Isaac Sesay, which was provided by the defence. The judge attempted to call the prosecutor, but there was no response. Defence counsel Koroma confirmed he had also tried reaching the prosecutor without success. He added that someone was sent to the prosecutor’s office and was informed the prosecutor was present there at the time.
It was later observed that the prosecutor had been in court until around noon but left to attend to another trial when the presiding judge was sitting in the appeal court.
Abdul Kpaka faces two charges: murder and perverting the course of justice, both contrary to law. The alleged murder occurred on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.The case is adjourned and will resume on June 24, 2025.