By: Audrey Raymonda John
Adekalie Conteh, a 28-year-old businessman, made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing three charges: conspiracy to murder, contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861; murder, contrary to Section 1 of the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861, as repealed and replaced by Section 1(a) of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2022); and malicious damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861.
According to the particulars of the offense, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Tokeh Grassfield, Main Peninsular Road, Western Area, Freetown, Conteh allegedly conspired with others to commit murder. The second charge stated that on the same date and location, the accused murdered Andrew Mansaray. The third charge accused him of maliciously damaging a Bluetooth music set valued at 3,000 Leones, property of Francis Lebbie.
When the charges were read to Conteh, no plea was taken.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh led prosecution witness number one, Memunatu Bendu, a housewife and sister of the deceased. She testified that she knew the deceased, Andrew Mansaray, who was her elder brother. Bendu explained that on February 9, 2025, while at home with her family, she was informed that her brother had gone to Aberdeen Beach. The following morning, she was told by her cousin that Andrew had returned and asked for some clothes, along with his mobile phone.
Bendu said that on February 11, 2025, she received a call from her husband, who informed her that the deceased was with the accused. She later received a call from someone named Ratty, who told her he was holding Andrew hostage for money. After that, Bendu lost contact with her brother. Later, Ratty called again, informing her that Andrew was dead. He initially instructed her to meet him at Peninsular Road, and then changed the location to Adonkia Police Station. When Bendu arrived at the police station, she identified her brother’s body and made a statement to the police.
The witness was cross-examined by M.W. Jalloh, Esq.
Magistrate Bangura remanded the accused, sending him to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned to April 4, 2025.