The ongoing murder trial of Abdul Kpaka took a critical turn on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, at the High Court in Freetown, as concerns over missing CCTV footage emerged alongside the defendant’s first testimony since his arrest in August 2024.

Proceedings, presided over by Justice Alfred Ganda, heard from lead defence counsel E.T. Koroma, who revealed that attempts to obtain CCTV footage from the Emergency Hospital—where the deceased, Sia, was taken prior to her death—had been unsuccessful. According to the defence, a letter dated 10th March 2026 from the hospital indicated that its surveillance system automatically deletes footage after 30 to 90 days to free up storage space.

The disclosure sparked concern in court, with the defence questioning why such potentially crucial evidence was not preserved. Koroma argued that the footage could have provided vital clarity on the circumstances under which Sia was brought to the hospital and the events leading up to her death. He further raised issues regarding the conduct of the investigation, noting that the police had failed to secure the footage during the early stages of the case.

In addition to the missing CCTV evidence, the defence also informed the court of ongoing difficulties in retrieving the defendant’s mobile phone, which had previously been ordered to be returned. Counsel maintained that the device contains significant material relevant to the defence and assured the court that further efforts would be made to secure it ahead of the next hearing.

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Amid these concerns, Abdul Kpaka took the witness stand for the first time, offering his account of events surrounding Sia’s death. Introducing himself as a peace and human rights activist, businessman, part-time lecturer, and politician, Kpaka provided a detailed narrative of their final moments together.

He told the court that on Sunday, 11th August 2024, he and Sia spent time together at his residence, and that he later dropped her off the following day before picking her up again after work. According to his testimony, Sia had complained of a heart condition and breathing difficulties, prompting him to advise her to seek medical attention, particularly in light of a planned trip abroad.

Recounting the morning of Tuesday, 13th August 2024, Kpaka said he discovered Sia in distress and attempted to assist her after she collapsed. He told the court that he performed chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before contacting a nurse, who advised that she be taken immediately to the hospital.

Kpaka stated that she was rushed to the Emergency Hospital, where medical personnel attempted to revive her but later pronounced her dead. He added that he informed her family, who subsequently raised suspicions that led to his arrest.

Throughout his testimony, Kpaka appeared composed but became visibly emotional at intervals, insisting that he did not murder Sia but made every effort to save her life.

The case, which has been ongoing for over one year and seven months, continues to draw public attention, particularly in light of emerging concerns over missing evidence and investigative procedures.

The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, 25th March 2026, when the defendant is expected to continue his testimony, followed by cross-examination.