In a notable case of attempted murder and solicitation, three men, Kemoh Bangura, Alimamy Bangura, and Alimamy Kargbo, were convicted and sentenced by Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Wednesday, 29th October 2024.

The men faced charges under Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1816 after allegedly conspiring to kill Doctor Abu Bakar Bangura by hiring a local herbalist to carry out the act.

The incident took place in April 2024 in Rokon Village, Port Loko, where the accused allegedly approached herbalist Alusine Kamara, offering him Le 6,000.00 to carry out the murder by means of black magic. Kamara, a healer by trade, testified that while he did not engage in harmful acts, he was contacted by the accused during Ramadan for the deadly purpose of eliminating Dr. Bangura. Kamara provided a statement confirming his interactions with the three men, explaining that they handed over property title deeds as collateral, underscoring their intention to hire him for the murder rather than healing services.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Juan M.S Bull Esq. led the prosecution, which produced evidence corroborated by both physical testimony and digital proof, including an audio recording submitted by the Criminal Investigation Department’s scientific support unit. The audio recordings contained damning evidence of discussions between Kamara and the accused, outlining plans to execute the murder. Magistrate Bangura cited the cyber lab report, which substantiated the prosecution’s case and affirmed the presence of concrete preparatory conversations among the accused.

Magistrate Bangura highlighted the strength of the evidence, including Kamara’s statements and the first accused’s own voluntary statement acknowledging the plot against Dr. Bangura due to a land dispute. He noted that the continuity and corroboration in testimonies left no reasonable doubt regarding the intent and actions of the accused.

Upon the finding of guilt, Magistrate Bangura sentenced Kemoh Bangura to three years and six months imprisonment, Alimamy Kargbo to two years, and Alimamy Bangura to two months.

The Magistrate underscored the court’s role in deterring such acts of criminal solicitation, emphasizing the necessity for harsh consequences in cases that compromise public safety. The sentences, he said, should serve as a warning to others contemplating similar acts.