Journalist Murder Trial: Magistrate Makes New Decision

A significant case that has captured national attention regarding press freedom and the pursuit of justice is now set to proceed to the High Court. Renowned journalist Joseph Mendel Lamin, widely known as Manager Dust, along with his co-accused Morlia Kamara, a bike rider, and Umaru Timbo, a driver, have been committed to stand trial on serious charges.

The trio faces two counts: conspiracy to commit murder and murder, in accordance with the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act of 2021. The charges stem from the alleged murder of fellow journalist Samuel Brima Mattia, which took place on January 15, 2025, at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo.

In a ruling delivered by Magistrate Briama Jah, the gravity of the charges was underscored, emphasizing the importance of a thorough preliminary investigation. The prosecution presented three witnesses, all of whom were subjected to cross-examination during the proceedings. Following the close of the prosecution’s case, defense counsel Musa Barateh Esq., representing Lamin, submitted a no-case submission. Barateh argued that the prosecution had failed to provide either direct or circumstantial evidence and cited constitutional protections under the 1991 Constitution.

However, Magistrate Jah dismissed the no-case submission, clarifying that the proceedings were not yet a trial but a preliminary investigation. He stated, “I find that the evidence presented is sufficient to put the accused persons on trial at the High Court.” He further noted, “The prosecution has led enough evidence to commit all three accused, and as such, they are now to face a full trial at the High Court.”