By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, 18 September 2024 — In a recent ruling at the Freetown High Court, Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Steven has directed Correctional officers to keep Abdul Kpaka in confinement throughout his trial for his safety. This decision came after Kpaka, accused of murder and perverting justice, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court heard that Kpaka is facing two counts: one for the murder of Sia Fatu Kamara on 13 August 2024 in Mambo, Freetown, and another for fabricating evidence to obstruct justice on 14 August 2024 and subsequent days. The indictment alleges that Kpaka intended to mislead the judicial process.
Justice Steven emphasized that, despite a new Criminal Procedure Act having been signed into law by the president, it has not yet come into effect. He stated that the trial would proceed under the provisions of the new act, once it is officially published and distributed.
The judge informed Kpaka that bail would not be granted during the trial but assured that the proceedings would be expedited. He stressed that the court’s duty is to ensure justice is administered fairly and without sentiment.
Both the prosecution and defense were instructed to request copies of the new Criminal Procedure Act from the government printing office to ensure adherence to the new legal guidelines. The state prosecutor, Yusuf Isaac Sesay, requested a brief adjournment, which was not opposed by lead defense counsel C. I Bangura.
Kpaka remains in custody and will return to court on 23 September 2024 for the continuation of the trial.