The High Court of Sierra Leone has remanded six accused persons in custody as proceedings continue in a murder case linked to the death of James Conteh.
The matter is before Justice Alfred Ganda at High Court No. 2 in Freetown, where the defendants — Samuel Turay, Hassan Kamara, Fatmata Turay, Braima Kamara, Brima Tarawalie and Abubakar Kamara — are facing charges of conspiracy to murder and murder.
According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly conspired on March 1, 2024, in Freetown to kill James Conteh and subsequently carried out the act on the same day. The charges were brought under the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.
During the latest hearing, State Counsel Koroma requested an adjournment to enable the prosecution’s second witness to testify. The court was informed that the first prosecution witness, Chernor Kamara, had already completed his testimony and was cross-examined by defence lawyers J. Kofi and Chernor Kamara.
After hearing the application, Justice Ganda ordered that all six accused remain in custody and adjourned the case to June 10, 2026, when the trial is expected to continue.
The case has attracted significant public interest, particularly because one of the accused, Samuel Turay, is deaf and mute. The proceedings have sparked discussions among legal observers and disability rights advocates about the importance of ensuring adequate court accommodations and equal access to justice for persons living with disabilities.
As the trial progresses, the court is expected to hear additional witness testimony before determining whether the prosecution has established its case against the accused persons.
