Journalist Mattia Murder Trial: Station Manager, Two Others Remanded After Co-worker Testimony

The ongoing murder trial of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia took a critical turn as three accused persons, including a radio station manager, were remanded in custody after their second court appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1.

The accused, 37 years old Joseph Mendel Lamin, commonly call Manager Dust, a station manager; 29 years old Morlia Kamara, a bike rider; and 35 years old Umaru Timbo, a driver, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder, under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021.

According to the prosecution, the trio allegedly conspired and murdered journalist Samuel Brima Mattia on January 15, 2025, at the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio Station in Kissi Town Waterloo.

During the hearing on February 19, 2025, the first prosecution witness, Shebora Bangura, a staff member at VOPAD, testified that he had worked closely with the deceased and the first accused, Lamin.

Bangura narrated that on the day of the incident, he arrived at the office at 7:00 AM and found Mattia already present. They worked throughout the day until evening. Around 8:00 PM, Lamin asked about Mattia’s whereabouts, and Bangura informed him that he was likely in his office. Lamin later returned, claiming he could not find Mattia, and instructed Bangura to inform him once Mattia returned.

Later that evening, when Mattia came back, Bangura messaged Lamin via WhatsApp. Lamin subsequently entered Mattia’s office and later mentioned they were going out to visit someone. At approximately 9:30 PM, Lamin instructed Bangura to retrieve his phone from his residence behind the office. Upon Bangura’s return, Lamin inquired whether he had seen anyone on the road, to which Bangura responded negatively. Lamin then allegedly remarked that “the woman at home is safe.”

The following morning, January 16, 2025, Bangura arrived at the office and found it locked. Assuming Mattia had not returned, he proceeded to Lamin’s residence to borrow the key.

Lamin provided only the front door key. Later that day, Mattia’s family arrived at the office searching for him. Unable to locate him; they reported the matter to the Kissy Town Police Station.

Subsequently, both Bangura and Lamin were taken into police custody for questioning.

Following the statement presented in court, the three accused were remanded.