By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone (8 January 2025) – Mother Kashopeh Smith and daughter Remi Smith were committed to High Court by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 for the alleged murder of police superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker.
Magistrate Bangura stated that the prosecution conducted a preliminary investigation and provided sufficient evidence against the accused by calling four witnesses, including a formal witness, factual witness, exhibit clerk, and the scene of crime officer who tendered various exhibit.
The accused did not take any plea during the preliminary investigation. They face four counts, including murder, perverting the course of justice, misprision of felony, and other related offenses. The charges allege that Kashopeh Smith murdered Superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker on September 2, 2024, and fabricated evidence to pervert the course of justice. Remi Smith is accused of unlawfully concealing the commission of the felony and perverting the course of justice.
The accused are represented by lawyers Claudius Campbell and Chernor Kamara, while the prosecution is led by ACP Juan Bull and ASP Dhalia Wellington. Magistrate Bangura refused bail and sent the accused to the female correctional facility in Freetown until the commencement of the trial at the High Court.