By: Audrey Raymonda John
Magistrate Isata Sellu Tucker of the Pademba Road Court No.2 has remanded John Sesay, Abubakar Yamka and Noel Smart at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown for allegedly murdering Steven Kanu.
The accused appeared before the court on two count of conspiracy to commit a felony and murder contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
It was alleged that the accused, on Saturday 2 July 2022 at Kamaya Regent Road in Freetown conspired with unknown person to commit a felony, to wit murder.
The charge sheet furthered that the accused, on the same date and place murdered Steven Kanu.
Led in evidence by Sub Inspector A.T. Bangura prosecution witness (PW)1, Moses Kanu resident of Kamayama Lumley in Freetown, he said recognised the deceased, Steven Kanu as his brother’s son and also recognised the accused as a neighbour.
He said he recalled Saturday 2 July 2022.
On the day in question PW 1 said a lady whose he could not recall went to his residence screaming and informing him about the incident.
He said upon receipt of the information, he left for the crime scene, adding upon his arrival, he saw the deceased lying on the ground and called “Steven Steven Steven” but he could not respond.
He said he discovered that the deceased’s neck and right leg were broken (fracture) with knife mark on his left shoulder.
The witness said he rushed to the Lumley Police Division and reported the matter.
PW 1 said he and a team of police officers from the aforesaid division visited the crime scene and took photographs and eventually, the corpse was conveyed to the Connaught Hospital mortuary in Freetown.
On 13 July 2022, he said he witnessed a post-mortem at the said hospital which was conducted by Dr Simeon Owizz Koroma the remains of the deceased.
Adding that upon conclusion of autopsy, the cause of death certificate was handed over to him, which was produced and tendered to form part of the court’s records.
Mr Kanu concluded his evidence that he made a statement at the Lumley Police Division.
The defence Counsel M.S. Bangura being that he came late, sought for adjournment and cross examination of the witness, application which was granted.
The accused were refused bail and remanded at the Male Correction Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 11th October 2022.