By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Detective Inspector Abubakarr Kargbo, attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), provided further insights into the ongoing investigation of the VOPAD Radio murder case during a court hearing on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Inspector Kargbo testified that on January 18, 2025, he, along with Inspector K. Markew and DPC 17987 Momoh Dikay, visited the crime scene at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo. Upon arrival, the team observed electrical cables resembling transmission cables to the pole, and the scene appeared to be in disarray, reminiscent of a dumping site.
The investigation progressed on January 20, 2025, when Kargbo and Inspector Dikay interviewed the first accused, Joseph Mendel Lamin, at CID Headquarters. The interview, conducted in Krio with Inspector Dikay serving as the recorder, was part of the effort to piece together the events leading to the crime. Following this, the investigation led to the arrests of the second and third accused.
Defense counsel M. Bayratay raised concerns during the proceedings, informing the court that his client, the first accused, had received threats from the family of the deceased.
The case, presided over by Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1, involves journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, known as “Manager Dust,” motorcycle rider Morlia Kamara, and driver Umaru Timbo. The three stand accused of conspiracy to commit murder and murder, charges under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021.
According to the prosecution, the accused conspired with others to murder journalist Samuel Brima Mattia on January 15, 2025, at the VOPAD Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo.
The court has adjourned the case to March 26, 2025, for further proceedings.