Driver Faces Murder Charges, Remanded in Custody
In a somber turn of events, Mohamed Bayoh, a self-identified driver, found himself behind bars on Thursday, the 18th of January 2024, following allegations of murdering Emmanuel Conteh. Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 presided over the arraignment, where the accused faced one count of Murder, as per Section 1 of the Offence Against the Person Act 1861, replaced by Section 1(a) of the schedule of the Abolition of Death Penalty Act 20-21 Act No.6 of 2022.
According to the police, the alleged incident occurred on Tuesday, the 17th of October 2023, at Mambo Village, Peninsula Road, Freetown, where Mohamed Bayoh is accused of taking the life of Emmanuel Conteh. When the charges were presented to the accused, no plea was taken.
During the proceedings, witness Sao Elizabeth Kamara, who identified herself as the adopted mother of the deceased, recounted the events leading to Emmanuel Conteh’s tragic demise. She described the accused as a neighborhood friend.
Ms. Kamara testified that she received distressing information from one Hannah Bangura on the fateful morning, revealing that Emmanuel Conteh was vomiting blood. Acting swiftly, she instructed them to rush him to Laka Government Hospital. Despite being the first to arrive at the hospital, she was informed that the doctor was unavailable. Consequently, she proceeded to the deceased’s residence.
Upon reaching the house, she discovered Emmanuel Conteh lying lifeless, learning that he had engaged in a physical altercation with the accused prior to his death. Disturbed by this revelation, she promptly reported the incident to the Adonkia Police Station, leading to the deceased being taken to the Connaught Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Ms. Kamara emphasized that she was present during the postmortem examination, and the results, handed over to her, confirmed the cause of death. The postmortem report was presented in court for identification, and she provided a statement to the police at Adonkia Police Station.
During cross-examination by defense counsel Ibrahim Mustapha Turay, Ms. Kamara acknowledged having a good relationship with the accused and confirmed that the deceased had indeed vomited blood before his untimely death.
Despite the defense’s plea for bail, Magistrate Bangura denied the request, ordering the accused to be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on the 22nd of January 2024.
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