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Milton Charles Turay, a 25-year-old pupil, was arraigned before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at the Pademba Road Court No. 2 on a single count of murder.
Turay is accused of murdering James Koroma on Saturday, 9th August 2025, at Grassfields, Tokeh in the Western Area of Freetown. The charge is brought under Section 1 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021.
After the charge was read and explained to him, no plea was taken.
Representing the prosecution, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh presented his first witness, Sergeant 9832 Edison Issa of the Criminal Investigation Department based at Adonkia Police Station.
In his testimony, Sergeant Issa stated that he is familiar with both the complainant and the accused. He recounted that the investigation began on the day of the incident when the complainant, Abu Turay, reported the alleged murder of his 24-year-old younger brother, James Koroma.
Sergeant Issa detailed the steps of his investigation, which included:
Escorting the deceased’s body to the 34 Military Hospital for a post-mortem on the same day.
Obtaining a statement from the complainant, Abu Turay.
Recording a witness statement from Alpha Tholley on 10th August 2025.
Arresting the accused on 11th August 2025 and obtaining a caution statement from him. The witness stated that the accused confirmed the statement was true by affixing his right thumbprint.
The court heard that a post-mortem was conducted on 13th August 2025 by Dr. Owiz Koroma at the 34 Military Hospital, and a certificate of cause of death was produced.
According to the witness, the investigation file was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on 14th August 2025 for legal advice. The file was returned on 5th September 2025 with instructions to charge Turay with murder.
Sergeant Issa also confirmed that a stainless knife was received as evidence and logged with an exhibit officer.
Following cross-examination by the accused, Magistrate Fornah refused bail, citing the gravity of the murder offence.
The matter was adjourned to 6th October 2025 for a further hearing.
