By: Audrey Raymonda John
Justice Abdul Sheriff of the High Court in Kenema has upheld the rule of law by sentencing 19-year-old Musa Koroma, a farmer from Pewama Village, Koya Chiefdom, to life imprisonment following his conviction for murder.
Koroma appeared in court alongside 23-year-old Abdulai Brima Koroma, also from Pewama Village, and Abubakarr Swaray from Dawebu Village. The three were initially charged with conspiracy to commit murder and murder, contrary to the relevant sections of Sierra Leone’s criminal law.
According to court proceedings, on 16th October 2023, the accused allegedly conspired to murder Jinnah Sheriff in Koya Chiefdom, Kenema District. Following a review of the evidence from both the prosecution and the defense, Justice Sheriff found Musa Koroma guilty of murder. However, Abdulai Brima Koroma and Abubakarr Swaray were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
The case was prosecuted by Andrew F. Kamara, State Counsel and Customary Law Officer, while the defendants were represented by Patrick Kamara from the Legal Aid Board.
In delivering his judgment, Justice Sheriff emphasized the importance of respecting the sanctity of life and reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to imposing strict penalties on those convicted of serious crimes.