In a poignant courtroom session, Kadiatu Kanu, the widow of the late Samuel Mattia, recounted her harrowing experience on the night of her husband's disappearance, revealing that Joseph Mondeh Lamin, known as 'Manager Dust,' assured her of Mattia's imminent return.
Kanu was the second prosecution witness in the ongoing murder trial of Samuel Mattia, who served as the former deputy manager of Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) Radio in Waterloo. The trial is presided over by Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1.
Lamin, along with Morlia Kamara, a motorbike rider, and Umaru Timbo, a commercial vehicle driver, faces two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and murder related to the events of January 15, 2025.
The police allege that the trio conspired with other individuals unknown to kill Samuel Brima Mattia at the VOPAD Radio Station in Kissi Town, Waterloo.
During the court proceedings on February 26, Kanu bravely took the stand, sharing that she had been married to Mattia for six to seven years and that she recognized Lamin as her husband's closest friend.
She detailed that Mattia left their home at 6:30 AM on January 15 to open the VOPAD Radio Station, returning around 6:00 to 7:00 PM for dinner. However, shortly after eating, he left again for the station, stating he needed to park some motorbikes.
When Mattia had not returned by 9:00 PM, Kanu attempted to reach him by phone, but he was unreachable. She then called Lamin, who informed her that he was not at the station but had left his bike there, claiming he was at home with his girlfriend.
Later, Lamin called Kanu back, saying he had gone to the station, heard music playing inside, but received no response when attempting to contact Samuel.
He urged her to rest, assuring her that her husband would return soon.
The following day, January 16, Kanu still had not seen Mattia and informed her mother-in-law of his absence. Following her mother-in-law's advice, Kanu visited the VOPAD Radio Station, where she found Lamin sitting under a mango tree near the office.
When her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Mattia, inquired about Samuel, Lamin could not provide an answer, raising suspicions.
Concerned, they sought the assistance of the station's Board Chairman, Mr. Margai, and a man named Foday. Upon their arrival, the two men took Lamin into the office, and afterward, they recommended closing the station to report the matter to the police.
Accompanied by Margai, Lamin, and Foday, Kanu went to the Kissy Town Police Station to give statements. Later that day, she received a call from Aunty Neneh, informing her that police had discovered a corpse in the bush. Overwhelmed with disbelief, Kanu questioned the identity of the corpse but ultimately found herself devastated when she confirmed it was her beloved husband, Mattia.
In light of this testimony, Magistrate Kekura has ordered the three accused individuals to be remanded at the Male Correctional Center on Pademba Road in Freetown. The trial has been adjourned to Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Comments