Freetown, September 25, 2025 — Six men accused of the brutal robbery and killing of Reverend Father Augustine Dauda Amadu have been remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown after appearing before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Wednesday.
The accused; Martin Sellu, Gbassay Swarray, Foday Sallu, John Bangalie (alias “Boika”), Joseph Gilamaja Kamara (alias “Shine”), and Foday Alhassan Sesay—face five charges, including conspiracy to murder, robbery with aggravation, and receiving stolen property under Section 33(1) of the 1916 Larceny Act.
Chief Superintendent of Police Tommy B. Zizer led the prosecution’s first witness, who recounted that Reverend Father Michael Thomas Lamboi reported the crime after discovering Father Amadu lifeless in his bathroom at a church residence in Kenema.
Scene of Crime Officer D. Sgt. Bangura documented the scene and later presented photographs and an autopsy report confirming the cause of death.
Investigators said a statement from the first accused, Sellu, taken in Krio and translated into English, helped trace and arrest the remaining suspects in Bo. Each reportedly gave statements, verified by thumbprint.
During cross-examination, defendants challenged the evidence linking them to the crime. Joseph Kamara disputed claims of his involvement, while Sesay questioned the search of his business where the stolen Lenovo laptop was allegedly recovered, insisting he did not know it was stolen.
According to the charge sheet, between August 1 and 29, the first five defendants allegedly conspired to rob and murder Father Amadu.
On August 30, they allegedly used a locally made single-barrel gun to steal a grey Lenovo laptop worth $350 and Le5,000 in cash. The sixth defendant is accused of knowingly receiving the stolen laptop in Waterloo.
Magistrate Jah denied bail, adjourning the matter to September 29, 2025, for further hearings.
