Key Witness Testifies: No Corpse Found at VOPAD Radio in High-Profile Murder Case

`

In the ongoing trial concerning the murder of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia, Shebora Bangura, an employee of Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio, testified that upon opening the office on January 16, 2025, he did not observe any corpse on the premises.

Testifying as the prosecution's first witness, Mr. Bangura confirmed his role at VOPAD Radio, specifically in the charging department. He was called to testify prior to his earlier appearance on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

The case involves three defendants—Joseph Mondeh Lamin, also known as "Manager Dust," Morlai Kamara, and Umaru Timbo—who are charged with conspiracy and murder, under the jurisdiction of Magistrate Sahr Kekura.

Authorities allege that on January 15, 2025, the accused conspired with others to murder Mr. Mattia in Waterloo.

Mr. Bangura, who works extended hours from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., stated that he did not witness any conflict between Mr. Mattia and Mr. Lamin on the day in question. When asked about January 15, he reiterated that he did not see Mr. Mattia's body.

"I opened the office on January 16, 2025, and did not see a corpse in the office," Mr. Bangura confirmed.

He also noted that Mr. Mattia's family visited the VOPAD Radio office on January 16 to inquire about him. According to Mr. Bangura, they did not find a corpse upon entering Mr. Mattia's office.

He revealed that he learned of Mr. Mattia's death while detained at the police station.

"I was in a police cell when I was informed that Mr. Mattia's corpse had been found elsewhere, not at the VOPAD Radio station," he stated.

Mr. Bangura added that the police escorted him and others from the VOPAD Radio office that day.

"It was the police who took us from the VOPAD Radio station on January 16, 2025," he clarified.

During the proceedings, Mr. Kamara and Mr. Timbo appeared without legal counsel. While Mr. Kamara chose not to question Mr. Bangura, Mr. Timbo asked if Mr. Bangura had ever seen him and Mr. Lamin together on the office premises.

Mr. Bangura replied, "I don’t know you, and I have not seen you and Mr. Lamin at our office before."

Magistrate Kekura adjourned the case to Wednesday, February 26, 2025, for the prosecution to present additional witnesses.