By Feima Sesay
Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Steven has ordered the Correctional officers to keep accused Abdul Kpaka in confiment throughout the trial for his safety.
He also ordered that Kpaka should not be seen around except when he is being given food to eat for his safety.
He made this order on Wednesday, 18 September, 2024 at the Freetown High Court after the charges were read and explained to him where Kpaka pleaded not guilty to the offenses of Murder and perverting justice.
The accused Abdul Kpaka was arraigned before the court on two count charges of murder contrary to section 1 against the person’s act of 1861 and perverting the course of Justice contrary to law.
The indictment stated that accused Abdul Kpaka on 13 August 2024 at Mambo in Freetown, murdered Sia Fatu Kamara.
The indictment furthered that accused Abdul Kpaka on the 14 August, 2024 and other days thereafter fabricated evidence with intent to pervert the course of Justice.
After pleading not guilty to the offense, the learned Judge said there was a new Criminal Procedure Act, but it was not yet effective.
He furthered that this new act had been signed by the president which meant it was now in force.
He added that he would be dealing with the matter based on the new act that had been passed into law, adding that by virtue of law, once the president had endorsed the new law with his signature, it must be gazetted and later distributed.
The judge furthered that justice needed to be done on both sides and there would be no sentiment in dealing with the matter.
The learned Judge also made it known to the accused that he should prepare his mind and told him that he would not grant him bail during the trial but would ensure that the matter be tried speedily.
Justice Steven furthered that the court had a duty to ensure that justice was done on both sides.
Addressing both counsel for the prosecution and the defense, he told them that notice should be sent to the government printing for copies of the new Criminal Procedure Act.
He said this should be done to ensure that justice was done as they had to be guided by rules in the new act.
State prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay sought for a short adjournment.
Lead defense counsel C. I Bangura did not object to the adjournment.
The accused was remanded in custody until Thursday, 23 September for continuation
