Mother Testifies on Events Leading to Her Son’s Alleged Murder

Grief-stricken mother Isata Kamara took the witness stand at the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 on Friday, February 21, 2025, to testify on the tragic events leading to the alleged murder of her 22-year-old son, Muhammad Conteh.

Kamara’s testimony came as the two accused, Emma Coker and Abdul Khe-Morlai, made their third appearance before Principal Magistrate Sahr Kekura, facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.

The prosecution alleges that the duo conspired to kill Conteh on December 22, 2024, at Bonga Lane in Freetown.

Under questioning from Sergeant 9939 Mohamed Lahai, Kamara emotionally recounted her son’s final moments before his disappearance.

She stated that on the morning of December 22, 2024, Conteh left home to sell soap in town after bidding her goodbye. Hours later, when he failed to return, her growing concern led her to call his phone, but she received no response.

By 4 PM, Kamara received an alarming call from the chief of Banana Water, urging her to come immediately. Rushing to the chief’s residence, she was met with distressing news but did not find her son there. Her fears intensified, prompting her to seek help from the Congo Cross police station, where she received the devastating confirmation of her son’s fate.

Kamara described her overwhelming grief as she was later taken to Waterloo, where she provided a statement to the police and arranged for her son’s burial at the Waterloo Cemetery. She also confirmed her ability to present her son’s bag if required as evidence.

During cross-examination by defense counsel C.J. Luseni, Kamara maintained her account of events. Meanwhile, Magistrate Kekura denied bail for the accused and ordered their remand at the male correctional facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned to February 24, 2025, for further proceedings.