Sallieu S. Kanu
Joseph M. Lamin, the Station Manager of VOPAD Radio 96.5FM, has confessed to the police that he orchestrated the killing of his deputy, Samuel Brima Mattia, according to sources familiar with the investigation. Lamin allegedly told the police that he hired individuals, including one Morlai, to carry out the murder.
Arrests and Investigation
The police have swiftly arrested the alleged hired killers, who are now assisting with the investigation. The remains of the victim were found in Waterloo on Thursday. The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has commended the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for their efforts and urged them to ensure justice is served.
SLAJ and SWASAL Visit
Earlier, the President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasarall, along with a cross-section of his executive and a delegation from The Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL), visited the Waterloo Police Division and the crime scenes to follow up on the killing of the journalist. Samuel Brima Mattia, a journalist working for Radio VOPAD 96.5 FM, was known for his dedication to serving the community through his work in the media.
A Grave Attack on Freedom of Speech
This heinous act is not only a loss to the media fraternity but also a grave attack on freedom of speech and the safety of residents in the district. During the visit, Support Officer Superintendent Thomas Robyn Mansaray informed the delegation that four individuals are currently in custody, assisting with the inquiry. He assured journalists that the SLP is treating the investigation with the utmost seriousness it deserves, to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Details of the Incident
According to Superintendent Mansaray, the police initially received a report of a missing person in the early hours of Thursday, January 16, 2025. As the investigation progressed, they were alerted to the discovery of an abandoned corpse at the perimeter fence of the Waterloo Correctional Centre. Family members and local community members identified the deceased. Based on the intelligence gathered, the police subsequently invited the Station Manager of VOPAD Radio, Joseph Lamin, along with another individual, for questioning. Additional information led to the invitation of two other staff members from the radio station for further inquiry.
Call for Thorough Investigation
SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasarall emphasized the importance of thoroughness in the investigation, urging the police to take the necessary time to ensure that justice is ultimately served. He acknowledged that, while the media seeks justice for their late colleague, the individuals in custody, who are also journalists, remain of significant interest to SLAJ. He called upon the police to conduct the investigation professionally.
Furthermore, President Nasarall urged the detained journalists to cooperate fully with the police by providing any pertinent information they possess regarding the matter, noting that SLAJ is closely monitoring the situation.