SIX REMANDED FOR CATHOLIC PRIEST’S ALLEGED MURDER
By: Gibrilla Kamara
A tense and emotional atmosphere gripped the courtroom at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown as six men appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah to answer to charges connected with the gruesome murder of a Catholic priest in Kenema.
The accused—identified as Foday Sallu, John Bangalie alias “Boika”, Joseph Gilamaja Kamara alias “Shine”, and Foday Alhassan Sesay among others—were arraigned on a five-count indictment ranging from conspiracy to commit robbery with aggravation, murder, and receiving stolen goods contrary to Section 33(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The Allegations
According to the charge sheet, between August 1 and 29, 2025, in Bo City, the first to fifth accused persons allegedly conspired with others unknown to commit armed robbery and murder. On August 30, 2025, in the Buma III Section of Kenema, the group is said to have violently attacked and robbed a Catholic priest, making away with a grey Lenovo laptop valued at USD 350 and Le 5,000 in cash before brutally killing him.
The sixth accused, Foday Alhassan Sesay, faces a separate charge of knowingly receiving the stolen laptop at Waterloo. He pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.
The Prosecution’s Case
Led in evidence by CSP Tommy B. Zizer Esq., the prosecution called Inspector B. Foday, attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters, as its first witness.
Inspector Foday testified that Reverend Father Michael Thomas Lamboi reported the robbery and murder at the church house in Kenema. Upon visiting the crime scene, officers discovered the deceased lying lifeless in his bathroom. Photographs were taken and later tendered in court.
The body was first conveyed to the Kenema Government Hospital before being transferred to the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown, where an autopsy was conducted. The medical report confirming the cause of death was also tendered.
The witness further revealed that on September 1, 2025, the first accused, Foday Sallu, gave a caution statement, which he admitted to by thumbprint. Similar statements were later obtained from the second to sixth accused following their arrest in Bo. These too were confirmed by thumbprints and entered into evidence.
Defense Position
During cross-examination, the fifth accused disputed the allegations against him, insisting they were false. However, the prosecution witness maintained that evidence linked him to the crime.
The sixth accused, who runs a business in Waterloo, questioned the legality of the search conducted at his premises and claimed he was unaware that the laptop in his possession had been stolen.
No Bail Granted
After listening to submissions, Magistrate Jah denied bail to all six accused, citing the gravity of the charges and the ongoing nature of the investigations. They were ordered to remain at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown pending further proceedings.
The matter was adjourned to September 29, 2025, for continuation.