Three men, including fellow journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin—popularly known as “Manager Dust”—are set to face trial at the High Court for their alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia.
Lamin, along with commercial bike rider Morlia Kamara and driver Umaru Timbo, made another appearance on Tuesday before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown. They are charged with conspiracy to commit murder and murder, contrary to the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act of 2021.
According to the police, the incident occurred on 15 January 2025 at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station located in Kissi Town, Waterloo. The accused allegedly conspired to kill Mattia, who was a journalist at the same station.
During the proceedings, police prosecutor ASP Ibrahim Mansaray informed the court that the case qualifies as a preliminary investigation and that he has already led three witnesses. He stated his intention to have the matter committed to the High Court for full trial, along with any exhibits previously prepared for the Magistrate Court.
In response, defense counsel Abdulai Barateh requested time to submit a written address on the prosecution’s evidence presented thus far. Although Magistrate Jah initially proposed a 48-hour adjournment, Barateh pleaded for more time, citing the seriousness of the charges and the need to prepare a thorough submission.
The court granted the request and adjourned the matter to 10 June 2025 to allow the defense to file its written submissions. If committed, the case will proceed to the High Court, where the accused could face life imprisonment if found guilty.
By Feima Sesay
