Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No 2 has remanded Kashopeh Smith and her daughter Remi Smith on Monday 28th October 2024 over the alleged murder of Superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker.

The accused person made their first appearance before the court and were arraigned on four counts charges of murder contrary to Section 1 of the offences against the Persons Act 1816 as repealed and replace by section 1 of the schedule of the abolition of the death penalty Act 2021, Act No 6 of 2022, Perverting the course of justice contrary to law, Misprison of felony contrary to law and other related offence.

According to the charge sheet, it was alleged on count one that the accused Kashopeh Smith on Monday 2nd September 2024, at No 37 Carr Street Hastings, Freetown, murdered superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker.

The police further alleged in count two that the first accused, Kashopeh Smith, knowing the circumstances leading to the murder of Superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker, which occurred on Monday, September 2, 2024, fabricated evidence with the intent to pervert the course of justice

It was also alleged on counts three that the accused Remi Smith between 1st and 2nd September 2024 at the same address knowing well that her mother Kashopeh Smith has committed an offence of murder and she unlawfully concealed the commission of the said felony.

Whiles counts four added that the accused Remi Smith well knowing the circumstances leading to the murder of Superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker that occured on Monday 2nd September 2024 and thereafter fabricated evidence with intent to pervert the course of justice.

When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons no plea was taken.

The lead prosecutor ASP Wellington informed the court that the case was a fresh one and that the witness were absent in the circumstance asked for a short date to bring her witnesses.

The lead defense counsel Claudius Campbell in reply to the prosecution requested for an adjournment expresses disappointed at the prosecution, adding that the accused has been in at the police for a very long time and for justice to prevail he said they need to expedite the matter.

Magistrate Bangura however agreed with him and adjourned the matter to 31st October 2024 for further hearing whiles the accused persons were sent on remand.