On Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, Dr. T Abubakar Bangura, Director of Sierra Leone Law School, took the stand before Magistrate Santigie Bangura to provide crucial testimony in a case involving an alleged murder plot against him.

The Director, who serves as the complainant in this high-profile trial, made significant statements during cross-examination by Defense Counsel Charles Pujeh, representing the accused.

During his testimony, Dr. Bangura emphatically stated that he had never been directly confronted or threatened by the accused. This statement counters the allegations that the accused had reportedly hired a herbalist to orchestrate his murder. When questioned further, Dr. Bangura admitted that he had received information regarding the plot from a third party. He clarified that he did not personally apprehend the accused at their farm; instead, law enforcement authorities handled their arrest and subsequent detainment.

Under scrutiny by Defense Counsel Pujeh, Dr. Bangura maintained that he was unaware of any specific plans against him until he was informed and recorded conversations related to the alleged plot. He also refuted any personal relationship with the accused individuals, noting that his knowledge of the situation primarily stemmed from information provided by Alusine Kamara, who relayed critical details via phone.

Dr. Bangura disclosed to the court that following receipt of the alarming information, he arranged to meet Alusine Kamara at the farm in question. During this meeting, Kamara reportedly reiterated the details previously discussed over the phone, further solidifying the seriousness of the alleged threat against the Director.

In addition to the ongoing legal proceedings, it was revealed that prior to these developments, Dr. Bangura and the accused had unresolved land disputes pending at the High Court in Port Loko.

The hearing concluded with the case adjourned until June 21st, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the legal battle. The accused individuals face charges under Section 4 of the Offence against the Person Act 1861, specifically for soliciting murder.

The allegations against the accused stem from an incident on April 20th, 2024, at Rokon Village, Magbina Section, Port Loko District, where it is claimed they sought the services of herbalist Alusine Kamara to carry out the assassination plot against Dr. Abubakar Bangura, Director of Sierra Leone Law School.