Supreme Court Orders Judge and Jury Trial for Abdul Kpaka Murder Case, Reassigns Judge

The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone has issued a landmark ruling in the high-profile murder case of Abdul Kpaka, mandating that the matter be tried by a judge and jury, rather than by a judge alone.

This decision underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring that justice is delivered with the full participation of public representatives in serious criminal trials.

In a further directive, the Supreme Court ordered that the case be withdrawn from the docket of Hon. Justice Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens and reassigned to another judge. The Chief Justice Komba Kamanda has been tasked with overseeing the reassignment to ensure the trial proceeds expeditiously under fresh judicial oversight.

Despite arguments put forth by Kpaka’s defense team, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s decision to deny bail, citing the gravity of the charges and the potential flight risk of the accused.

Kpaka remains in custody as the case awaits reassignment and a new trial date.