Alleged Murder: Accused Remanded

Ishmael Yayah Sankoh made his third appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, facing a charge of murder.

According to the charge sheet, on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Spur Loop Stone Ground off Regent Road Lumley, Sankoh allegedly murdered Musa Momoh Vandy.

During the hearing, Inspector Sallu Tap led the prosecution’s second witness, a pupil, who recounted the events of that day. He stated that while he and his parents were carrying blocks to fix a door, his mother went to the market. Shortly after, his father was directing him on the door’s placement when the accused arrived, connected a pipe to their water tank, and began fetching water.

The deceased greeted the accused and asked why he was using their pipe. The accused reportedly replied that it belonged to his father and he had the right to use it. The deceased then informed him that the tank’s owner would not permit this and removed the pipe, warning the accused not to use it again. The accused threatened to “come back for you.”

Upon returning, the accused reconnected the pipe to the tank, prompting the deceased to remove it once more. In the ensuing confrontation, the accused allegedly stabbed the deceased in the neck, causing severe bleeding.

The witness rushed to call his aunt, but the accused fled before help arrived. Despite being taken to the emergency hospital, the deceased succumbed to his injuries. The witness, along with his grandmother, found the accused later and brought him to the Lumley Police Station, where a statement was obtained.

Magistrate Sahr Kekura denied bail to the accused and remanded him at the Male Correctional Center. The case was adjourned to July 3, 2024.