FREETOWN – In a significant development on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Pademba Road Court No1 took a decisive step by committing the case of Ibrahim Mohamed Kalokoh, an herbalist, to the High Court for trial. The charges against Kalokoh are in connection with the alleged murder of Kabba Santigie Bangura, a respected FBC Lecturer.
The decision followed a series of events that unfolded during the preliminary investigation. Detective Police Sergeant 8576 Issa Kamara, attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Freetown, recalled a pivotal date, March 23, 2023, when crucial evidence emerged. On that day, DPC 15016 Kargbo S.F., who was part of the Homicide Unit, handed over a T-shirt and long trousers that had been discovered on the remains of the deceased lecturer.
According to Kamara’s testimony, he took custody of the items and meticulously registered them in the exhibit book, assigning the serial number RC E/2023. These items were subsequently presented and submitted as evidence in the court proceedings.
During the trial, the accused, Ibrahim Mohamed Kalokoh, who was not represented by legal counsel, engaged the formal witness. Kalokoh queried whether the witness was acquainted with the owner of the trousers. However, the witness replied in the negative.
Upon the conclusion of this exchange, the prosecution’s case, led by Inspector Sellu TAP, was closed. The prosecution had called upon six witnesses to support their case against the accused.
Magistrate Mark Ngegba, after careful consideration of the presented evidence, deemed it sufficient to warrant a trial in the High Court. Consequently, Ibrahim Mohamed Kalokoh was remanded in prison, pending further proceedings.
It is worth noting that the accused faced preliminary investigation on a single count of murder, as per the law. The police assert that on Monday, March 6, 2023, in Newton, Waterloo, Kabba Santigie Bangura met a tragic fate, allegedly at the hands of the accused individual. The case now moves to the High Court, where further legal actions will unfold to determine the truth behind this unfortunate incident.
