By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone, Kashopeh Smith a fifty-six years old teacher and Remi Smith a twenty- seven years old students on Monday, 28 October, 2024, made their first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 on four count charges contrary to section 1 of the Offences Against the person Act 1816 as repealed and replaced by section 1 (a) of the schedule of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021, Act No.6 of 2022, Perverting the Course of Justice-Contrary to Law and Misprision of Felony -Contrary to Law.
According to the particulars of offence: that you, Kashopeh Smith on Monday 2 September, 2024 at No. 37 Carr Street, Hastings, Freetown, in the Western Rural Judicial District of the Republic of Sierra Leone, allegedly murdered Superintendent Arnold Adeyemie Coker.
Count two revealed that that you Kashopeh Smith well knowing the circumstances leading to the murder of Superintendent Arnold Adeyemie Coker that occurred on Monday 2 September, 2024 and thereafter fabricated evidence with intend to pervert the course of justice.
Count three mentioned that you Remi Smith between 1 September, 2024 and 2 September, 2024 at No. 37 Carr Street, Hastings, Freetown, in the Western Rural Judicial District of the Republic of Sierra Leone, knowing well that your mother Kashopeh Smith has committed an offence of murder and you unlawfully concealed the commission of the said felony.
Count four further stated that Remi Smith well knowing the circumstances leading to the murder of Superintendent Arnold Adeyemie Coker that occurred on Monday 2 September, 2024 and thereafter fabricated evidence with intent to pervert the course of justice.
When the charges were read and explained to the accused person no plea was taken.
The prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police Dialla Wellington sought for a short adjournment because her witness was not present in court.
The Defence Council C. Campbell asked for the prosecuting council to expedite the matter so that they can have a speedy trial.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Bangura refused bail base on the seriousness of the crime and sent them to remain in custody.
However, the case has been adjourned to 31st of October, 2024, for further proceedings.
