By: Audrey Raymonda John
Three individuals Prince Thomas, alias Chair Sharkur, a 31-year-old driver; Christian Omotunde Aitkins, a 56-year-old teacher; and Marion Conteh, a 25-year-old teacher — have been committed to stand trial in the High Court of Sierra Leone on multiple charges, including murder and causing grievous bodily harm.
The trio appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 in Freetown, facing a four-count indictment, including:
Conspiracy to commit murder, contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861. Conspiracy to commit murder, contrary to common law. Murder, contrary to Section 1 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861, as repealed and replaced by Section 1(a) of the schedule to the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act, 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2022). Causing grievous bodily harm with intent, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Saturday, 22nd March 2025, at Dalley Street, Regent Village, in the Western Area of Sierra Leone, the accused persons allegedly conspired with others unknown to murder Momodu Bangura.
Count Three specifically alleges that Prince Thomas, alias Chair Sharkur, murdered Momodu Bangura on the same date and location.
Count Four states that all three accused also allegedly wounded Ibrahim Sorie Sankoh with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea was taken, as the matter is a preliminary investigation for committal to the High Court.
Prosecutor Sergeant 8811 F.M. Wilson informed the court that the prosecution had closed its case and submitted all necessary evidence, including witness testimony, a medical report, and caution statements.
The accused were represented by defense counsels J.A. Vandy and J.M. Jengo.
In his ruling, Magistrate Fornah stated that, having reviewed the evidence presented by the prosecution including the medical report and the accused persons’ caution statements he was satisfied that sufficient evidence had been provided to warrant committal of the matter to the High Court.
He therefore committed all three accused to stand trial in the High Court on the charges brought against them.