By: Audrey Raymonda John
In a case that has captured public attention, journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, popularly known as “Manager Dust,” appeared for the fourth time before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1, alongside co-defendants Morlia Kamara, a commercial bike rider, and Umaru Timbo, a driver. The trio faces grave charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder, under the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act of 2021.
Prosecutors allege that on January 15, 2025, at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo, the accused conspired with others to murder fellow journalist Samuel Brima Mattia.
During the latest hearing, Defense Counsel M. Barateh rigorously cross-examined key prosecution witness Abubakarr Kargbo. Counsel asked Kargbo to read a prior statement relating to the first accused. The statement included the first accused’s denial of involvement, stating: “I have no arms in the death of Mattia.” When asked to confirm whether this constituted a denial, the witness replied, “Yes.”
Barateh went on to question the witness about the investigation conducted at VOPAD Radio. The witness confirmed that no altercation occurred at the radio station and that no corpse was discovered at the scene on January 15. He also confirmed that the first accused was not present during his visit to the radio station, which he undertook with the initial crime investigator.
Further probing revealed that the body of the deceased was later found behind the Sierra Leone Correctional Center fence in Waterloo. When asked if any scientific examination was carried out on an electric cable observed at the scene, the witness admitted, “No.” He also noted that he and Inspector K. Matthew had obtained statements from the first accused.
The matter has been adjourned to June 3, 2025, for continuation of proceedings.