By Mamajah Jalloh
Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 has remanded Kashopeh Smith and her daughter, Remi Smith, in custody over the alleged murder of Superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker. The duo, who appeared in court on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, face multiple charges, including murder, perverting the course of justice, and misprision of felony.
The incident, which occurred on September 2, 2024, at 37 Carr Street, Hastings, Freetown, has drawn significant attention. According to the prosecution, the first accused, Kashopeh Smith, is alleged to have murdered Superintendent Coker on the stated date. Additionally, Kashopeh and her daughter, Remi, are accused of fabricating evidence and concealing the crime to obstruct justice.
Prosecution witness Alhaji Macarthy, a longtime acquaintance of the accused and the deceased, testified in court, providing key details about the events of the night in question. Macarthy recounted that the first accused solicited his help in the early hours of September 2, instructing him to assist with a motorbike. He later observed the accused and others loading a body, identified as Superintendent Coker, onto the bike behind her house.
Macarthy further stated that two days after the incident, Kashopeh warned him against disclosing details of what transpired, suggesting repercussions for anyone who revealed the truth.
Defense lawyers C. Campbell and K. Thompson cross-examined the witness but were unable to secure bail for the accused. Magistrate Bangura ordered the mother and daughter to be remanded at the Male Correctional Center in Freetown.
The case has been adjourned to November 26, 2024, for further proceedings.
