By Josephine Sesay
The High Court in Freetown on Thursday heard dramatic testimony from the sister of slain journalist Samuel Brima Mattia, who alleged that one of the accused persons told her he had been approached to help arrange her brother’s killing.
Elizabeth Mattia appeared before Justice Mark Ngegba at the Law Court Building, where she detailed events she said began in November 2024, two months before her brother’s death.
Led in evidence by state prosecutor Aisha Dusu Kargbo, the witness told the court that the second accused, Morlai Kamara, visited her home and indicated he wanted to discuss a serious matter concerning her brother. She testified that during the conversation, Kamara allegedly revealed that the first accused, Joseph Mendel Lamin, had asked him to find someone to assist in killing the journalist.
Sensing the gravity of the discussion, Elizabeth Mattia said she activated her phone and recorded the exchange. She told the court that she later sent the audio recording to her brother and urged him to report the matter to the police. However, according to her testimony, the deceased responded that he would first inform his adopted mother.
The court further heard that about a week later, she observed her brother looking visibly troubled. When she asked what was wrong, he allegedly disclosed that Lamin had been persistently demanding money generated at the radio station where he worked. She added that his adopted mother subsequently advised him to suspend his duties at the station.
Recounting the events leading to the discovery of the journalist’s body, the witness said that on January 15, 2026, the deceased’s wife informed her that he had gone missing. They proceeded to the radio station, where they encountered Lamin outside the premises. According to her, he denied knowing the whereabouts of the deceased.
She testified that the station’s chairman later arrived and invited them into the office before suggesting that they report the matter to the police. While at the police station, she said the deceased’s wife received a call informing them that his body had been found.
Under cross-examination by Mustapha Karim Dauda of the Legal Aid Board, representing the second and third accused, Elizabeth Mattia confirmed that Kamara’s alleged statement was made at her residence and that another individual, identified as Alpha, was present during the conversation. She acknowledged that she could not present the audio recording in court but stated that it remains in police custody.
Joseph Mendel Lamin, identified in court as the manager of the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD), is standing trial alongside Morlai Kamara and Umarr Turay. The trio face two charges—conspiracy to commit murder and murder.
Defence counsel Jonathan Abu Kargbo, representing Lamin, indicated that he would cross-examine the witness when proceedings resume, the case was adjourned to March 5, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 4th March 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
