By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone — On November 26, 2024, Magistrate Santigie Bangura of the Pademba Road Court No. 2 ordered the continued detention of Kashopeh Smith and her daughter, Remi Smith, at the Female Correctional Centre. The two are accused of involvement in the death of Superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker and obstruction of justice.
Crime Scene and Investigation
Inspector Foday Borbor of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) testified, recounting events from October 2, 2024, when Superintendent Coker’s body was discovered along Amor Street in Hastings. According to Inspector Borbor, Coker’s body bore injuries to his toes, and items such as a damaged brown belt and blue slippers were found nearby. The body was transported to Connaught Mortuary for examination.
On September 4, 2024, Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma conducted a postmortem examination, and a copy of the death certificate was submitted to CID. Inspector Borbor presented this as evidence, marked Exhibit A. Investigations revealed a Baja motorcycle, believed to be linked to the incident, at the crime scene two days later.
Statements and Charges
Inspector Borbor testified that the accused provided voluntary statements in line with judicial rules. On October 23, 2024, Kashopeh Smith was formally charged with murder and perverting the course of justice. Her daughter, Remi Smith, faces charges of misprision of felony and perverting justice. Statements from both women were admitted as evidence.
Defense Cross-Examination
Defense counsel Claudius Campbell challenged aspects of the investigation, focusing on inconsistencies and the handling of evidence. He queried Inspector Borbor’s interactions with a key witness, Vidal Coker, a relative of the deceased, who claimed that Kashopeh had been romantically involved with the victim.
Adjournment
Prosecutor Juan Bull requested an adjournment to present further witnesses. Magistrate Bangura ordered both accused to remain in custody until the case resumes on December 3, 2024.
Background of Charges
The prosecution alleges that Kashopeh Smith murdered Superintendent Coker on September 2, 2024, in Hastings. She is also accused of fabricating evidence to obstruct justice. Meanwhile, Remi Smith allegedly concealed her mother’s actions and falsified evidence. Both face charges under the Offences Against the Persons Act of 1816, amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act, 2021.