By Mamajah Jalloh
A mother and her daughter were remanded in custody by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2, following their fourth court appearance in connection with the alleged murder of Superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker.
Kashopeh Smith, the first accused, and her daughter Remi Smith, the second accused, face multiple charges including murder, perverting the course of justice, and misprision of felony. The charges stem from the tragic death of Superintendent Coker on September 2, 2024, at No. 37 Carr Street, Hastings, Freetown.
Kashopeh Smith is accused of killing Superintendent Coker, while Remi Smith is accused of concealing the crime and fabricating evidence to obstruct justice. According to the prosecution, on the night of the murder, Kashopeh Smith allegedly enlisted the help of a local man, Alhaji Macarthy, to transport the deceased’s body after the killing. Macarthy testified that on the early morning of September 2, he was called by Kashopeh to assist with a motorbike. He later witnessed the deceased’s body being loaded onto the bike and transported.
The charges were read out in court, but neither of the accused entered a plea. The prosecution, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Joan M.S Bull, presented Alhaji Macarthy as witness number three. He confirmed his involvement in the events surrounding the murder and detailed his interaction with the accused on the night in question.
During cross-examination by defense attorneys C. Campbell and K. Thompson, Macarthy’s testimony remained consistent.
The case was adjourned to November 20, 2024, for further proceedings. Magistrate Bangura denied bail, remanding both accused to the male correctional center in Freetown.
