The sister of the late journalist Samuel Brima Mattia has testified before the High Court in Freetown that one of the accused persons allegedly told her he had been approached to arrange the killing of her brother.

Elizabeth Mattia gave evidence on Thursday before Justice Mark Ngegba at the Law Court Building in Freetown.

Led in testimony by state prosecutor Aisha Dusu Kargbo, she told the court that in November 2024, the second defendant, Morlai Kamara, approached her and stated that the first defendant, Joseph Mendel Lamin, had asked him to find someone to assist in killing the deceased.

According to the witness, when Kamara indicated he wanted to discuss something concerning her brother, she activated her phone to record the conversation. She testified that after the discussion, she sent the recorded audio to the deceased and advised him to report the matter to the police. However, she said her brother indicated that he would first inform his adopted mother.

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The court heard that about a week later, she observed the deceased appearing distressed. Upon enquiry, he reportedly told her that the first defendant had been persistently demanding money generated at the radio station where he worked. The witness further stated that the deceased said his adopted mother had advised him to suspend his duties at the station.

Elizabeth Mattia also recounted events leading to the discovery of her brother’s death. She said that on January 15, 2026, the deceased’s wife informed her that he had gone missing. They subsequently went to the radio station, where they encountered the first defendant outside the premises. According to her testimony, he told them he had no knowledge of the deceased’s whereabouts.

She said the chairman of the station later arrived and asked them to enter the office before suggesting they proceed to the police station. While at the station, she testified that someone contacted the deceased’s wife to report that his body had been discovered.

Under cross-examination by Mustapha Karim Dauda of the Legal Aid Board, representing the second and third defendants, the witness confirmed that the second defendant made the alleged confession at her home. She stated that another individual identified as Alpha was present during the conversation. She also told the court that she could not produce the audio recording but that it is currently in police custody.

The first defendant, Joseph Mendel Lamin, who is the manager of the Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD), is standing trial alongside Morlai Kamara and Umarr Turay. The three accused persons are charged with two counts: conspiracy to commit murder and murder.

Lawyer Jonathan Abu Kargbo, representing the first defendant, indicated that he would cross-examine the witness when proceedings resume.

The matter has been adjourned to March 5, 2026, for continuation of hearing.