Abdul Kpaka, a businessman and lecturer at Fourah Bay College (FBC), stands accused of the murder of Sia Fatu Kamara at his residence in Mambo, Freetown.
The 36-year-old Kpaka was brought before Honorable Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2, where he faced a count of murder. As per police reports, the incident transpired on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Off Peninsula Road, Mambo Village in Goderich, Western Freetown.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Juan Bull, acting as the lead prosecutor, represented the Inspector General of Police (IGP), while Teddy Koroma assumed the role of Kpaka's defense counsel.
CSP Bull informed the court of the prosecution's readiness to proceed with the trial. However, due to the tardy receipt of the case file, she requested a brief adjournment to thoroughly review the documents. Before the adjournment date was set, Lawyer Koroma expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, emphasizing that his client has not been proven guilty. He urged the public to refrain from passing judgment or speaking disparagingly about Kpaka until the conclusion of the trial.
CSP Bull objected to Koroma's request, stating that court proceedings are not swayed by public opinion and that sympathy should not influence the legal process.
In his ruling, Honorable Magistrate Bangura reiterated that the case should not be influenced by public sentiment. He cautioned the media and the public to remember that Kpaka is an accused individual, not a convicted one, and should be referred to accordingly.
Koroma further highlighted the detrimental impact of public speculation on his client's well-being, particularly on social media. However, CSP Bull maintained that the matter was solely within the jurisdiction of the court and unrelated to public opinion.
Once again, Honorable Magistrate Bangura advised the press and the public to be mindful of Kpaka's legal status as an accused person and to refrain from labelling him otherwise until the court reaches a verdict.
The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
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