In a tragic and shocking case, Hawanatu Hawa Koroma has appeared before the Pademba Road Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of murdering her husband, Nabieu Bangura, by allegedly dousing him in fuel and setting him on fire.
The case, presided over by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Court No. 2, stems from an incident that reportedly took place on November 22, 2024, at the back of Leicester Peak Junction in Freetown. The prosecution alleges that Koroma’s actions led to the untimely death of her husband.
During the hearing, Detective Police Constable 13274 Bangura H, a key prosecution witness and Scene of Crime Officer at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, provided critical evidence. He detailed his role in investigating crime scenes, attending autopsies, and documenting findings through photography.
Testifying before the court, Detective Bangura recounted that on November 25, 2024, he was present during an autopsy conducted on Nabieu Bangura’s remains at the Connaught Hospital Mortuary in Freetown. The body was identified by relatives, after which Sergeant 10601 Macarthy A.J. captured photographs of the postmortem using a digital camera. The images were later printed, compiled into a photographic album, and secured as evidence. The camera used for the images was submitted as Exhibit F, while the photographic album was marked as*Exhibit A1-14.
Following Bangura’s testimony, defense counsel A.N.D. Musa Esq. cross-examined the witness. However, given the severity of the charge and the evidence presented, Magistrate Bangura denied bail for the accused and ordered her remanded at the Female Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2025, for further proceedings.
