Mother Of UNIMAK Student Who Was Allegedly Killed by Her Friend Testifies in Court

As Preliminary Investigation (PI) continues on the alleged murder at UNIMAK University between the State and one Elizabeth Mande Judith Kanu (accused), a second year Mass Communication Student, the Second Prosecution witness (PW2) Madam Marion Abigail Thomas (mother of the deceased Sonia Thomas) has testified in tears before Magistrate Sahr Keikura of Magistrate Court No.1 Pademba Road.

The accused stands trial on a count of murder contrary to law.

According to the Particulars of Offence, the accused (Elizabeth Mande Judith Kanu) on 6th September 2021 at UNIMAK University, Fatima Hostels, Makeni allegedly murdered Sonia Thomas.

PW2 was led in evidence by State Prosecutor O.V Robin Mason Jr., recognized the accused as a friend of the deceased from the Providence International School on to UNIMAK University.

She recalled 6th September 2021, at around eight in the morning, when she received a telephone call from her friend Kendeh who is also a student of UNIMAK informing her that her daughter had an attack.

From then on she was continually briefed by the friend about her daughter’s status, who in the process told her that her daughter Sonia Thomas had had a confrontation with the accused.

Explaining further, the mother (PW2) said shortly after she was in her room when someone called her and confirmed that the incident indeed took place.

“My Lord, when I came outside, I saw a lot of people crying,” she stated, and was shocked to hear that her daughter had passed away. She continued that from then on, she requested that the remains be given to her but the police refused saying that they will release the remains only in the presence of a family member.

In her testimony, the mother of the deceased said she instructed one Ivan Johnson and another to go for the corpse; upon arrival in Freetown the police who accompanied the remains directed that the corpse be taken to the Connaught Mortuary in order to ascertain the cause of death.
She said on 8th September 2021, the Consultant Pathologist carried out a post mortem examination on the remains of the deceased and handed it over to them for proper burial.

She said she was later called at the Criminal Investigation Department to make a statement, which she did. J. M. Jengo cross examined the witness and the matter was adjourned to the 25th October 2021.