By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Kashopeh Smith and her daughter, Remi Smith, were remanded in custody on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in connection with the alleged murder of Superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker.
The accused appeared for their fourth court session, facing four serious charges, including murder, perverting the course of justice, misprison of felony, and related offenses.
According to the indictment, Kashopeh Smith is accused of murdering Superintendent Coker on September 2, 2024, at No. 37 Carr Street, Hastings, Freetown. The second charge alleges that, knowing the circumstances of the murder, Smith fabricated evidence to obstruct the course of justice.
Her daughter, Remi Smith, is accused of concealing her mother’s crime and later attempting to fabricate evidence in the same case. Both women are charged with attempting to cover up the murder and hinder the investigation into the death of Superintendent Coker.
During the hearing, the prosecution called its third witness, Alhaji Macarthy, a local mason who has known the accused for over ten years. Macarthy testified that on the night of the murder, he was approached by Kashopeh Smith to assist with her motorbike. He recounted being asked to ensure that no one was around and subsequently seeing a dead body being loaded onto the bike behind Smith’s house. He identified the body as Superintendent Coker.
Macarthy further stated that after the incident, Kashopeh Smith contacted him and revealed that she had made a statement to the police. She allegedly warned him not to disclose any details of the incident, suggesting that those who spoke out would face consequences.
Both the prosecution and defense teams presented their arguments, with the accused having no opportunity to enter a plea following the charges being read out. Defense attorneys cross-examined the prosecution’s witness but were unable to prevent the remand decision.
Magistrate Bangura denied bail and sent both accused women to the male correctional center in Freetown.
The case has been adjourned to November 20, 2024, for further proceedings, as the court continues to examine the evidence in the murder of Superintendent Coker.
