By: Audrey Raymonda John
In the case involving 39-year-old Mohamed Bayoh, who is charged with murder, the defendant made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown. The charge is in violation of Section 1 of the Offence Against the Person Act 1861, as repealed and replaced by Section 1(a) of the schedule of the Abolition of Death Penalty Act 20-21 Act No.6 of 2022.
The incident in question occurred on Tuesday, 17th October 2923, at Mambo Village, Peninsular Road, in the western area of Freetown, where Mohamed Bayoh allegedly murdered Emmanuel Conteh.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, the lead prosecution witness, testified that Emmanuel Conteh, the deceased, was his adopted son who died at the age of 17. The witness identified the accused as a neighborhood friend. On the mentioned date, around 1 am, the witness received information that Emmanuel was vomiting blood. Upon reaching Laka Government Hospital, where they intended to take the deceased, they found out that the doctor was not available. Subsequently, they went to the location where Emmanuel resided, only to discover him dead. The witness learned that there had been a fight between the deceased and the accused before Emmanuel’s death.
The witness went to Adonkia Police Station to report the incident, and the deceased’s body was taken to the mortuary for a postmortem examination. The witness was present during the examination, and the results were handed over to her. The postmortem results were produced in court for identification, and the witness confirmed making a statement to the police station.
During cross-examination by the defense counsel, Ibrahim Mustapha Turay Esq, the witness affirmed that she had a good relationship with the deceased. The witness also confirmed the earlier testimony regarding the deceased vomiting blood around 1 am.
Magistrate Bangura refused bail and remanded the accused person to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned to the 22nd of January 2024.