By Audrey Raymonda John
In a solemn session at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown, six individuals, including Hassan Kamara alias Shine Face and Fatmata Turay, were presented before Magistrate Sahr Kekura. They stand accused of the murder of James Conteh, also known as James Okeke.
The accused faced charges of Conspiracy and Murder under sections 4 and 1 of the Offence Against the Person Act 1861, respectively. The alleged incident took place on March 1st at Asession Town Cemetery in the Western Area of Freetown.
According to the prosecution, the accused, alongside other unidentified individuals, conspired to commit the felony of murder, resulting in the death of James Conteh.
Prosecutor Juan M S Bull presented the first prosecution witness, Aminata Lansana, who identified herself as a cookery seller. Lansana recounted receiving a distressing phone call on the fateful day, informing her of her son’s demise. Upon arriving at the crime scene, Lansana was horrified by the brutality of her son’s murder.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura, after hearing the prosecution’s submissions, denied bail for the accused and ordered their remand at the Male and Female Correctional Center in Freetown. The case was adjourned to April 19th, 2024, to allow for further witness consultation.
The proceedings marked a somber start to the legal process as the accused face serious charges linked to the untimely death of James Conteh.