By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Amara Kargbo, a labourer, appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on Monday, January 13, 2025, charged with murder.
Kargbo faces one count of murder, contrary to Section 1(a) of the schedule of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2022).
According to the particulars of the offence, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at #14 Sesay Lane, Moeba, Freetown, Amara Kargbo allegedly murdered Moray Kargbo. When the charge was read and explained to the accused, he did not enter a plea.
Inspector Daboh A. led the testimony of the fourth prosecution witness, Sergeant Buyah, an executive clerk at the Ross Road Police Station. During the proceedings, Sergeant Buyah presented a knife as evidence, which was identified and tendered as “Exhibit E.”
Representing himself, the accused cross-examined the witness in an effort to establish his innocence. In an unusual turn of events, Kargbo questioned the relevance of the knife as evidence and demanded to know why the deceased’s body was not present in court.
Magistrate Kekura intervened, explaining that the witness was performing his duties, but Kargbo persisted, asserting that the deceased’s body should be presented in court. This comment elicited laughter from those present, and the questions remained unanswered.
Citing the seriousness of the charge, Magistrate Kekura denied bail and ordered that Kargbo be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The trial is scheduled to continue on January 20, 2025.
