In a pivotal development within the corridors of justice, the alleged manslaughter trial of former Skye Bank Manager, Ikubolaje Nicol, unfolded with the testimony of Maada Bundeh, a former driver who had been in the employ of the accused. The courtroom, presided over by Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens at the Sexual Model Court in Freetown, bore witness to the unfolding of critical details on Friday, May 3rd, 2024.

Led through a comprehensive account of events by state counsel Aruna Jalloh, Maada Bundeh delved into the intricate dynamics of his professional association with the accused and the circumstances surrounding the tragic demise of Sinnah Kargbo, the deceased in question. Bundeh elucidated that Sinnah Kargbo, who was subsequently employed by the accused at Skye Bank following the culmination of her university studies, also happened to be romantically involved with Nicol.

Recalling the fateful events of October 16th, 2022, Bundeh recounted being beckoned by the accused to rendezvous at Shuman Hospital, purportedly in response to an urgent medical situation involving the deceased. Upon arrival at the hospital premises, Bundeh encountered a perplexing absence of information regarding the whereabouts of his employer. Subsequent communication with Nicol revealed the distressing news of Sinnah's demise, prompting instructions to transport her mortal remains to the mortuary.

Traversing the subsequent sequence of events, Bundeh shed light on the procedural formalities undertaken at Columbia Davies Mortuary, per the directives of the accused. Notably, he attested to the surreptitious directive of Nicol to falsely represent himself as the individual responsible for conveying the deceased to the mortuary, a revelation that underscored the gravity of the unfolding narrative.

The proceedings further unveiled a tumultuous altercation between the deceased's family and the accused at the mortuary premises, culminating in police intervention and the subsequent apprehension of Ikubolaje Nicol. Bundeh's narrative, punctuated by meticulous attention to detail, underscored the pivotal role he played in facilitating the unfolding events, thereby positioning him as a critical figure in the unfolding legal saga.

Under the scrutiny of defense counsel Rowland Wright during cross-examination, Bundeh reaffirmed the depth of his acquaintance with the deceased and the professional rapport shared at Skye Bank. Noteworthy was the revelation of a clandestine communication between Bundeh and the deceased, wherein she purportedly cautioned him against divulging certain details to the accused—a revelation that imbued the narrative with an aura of intrigue and complexity.

As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, with Ikubolaje Nicol facing charges of conspiracy, manslaughter, and perverting the course of justice, the testimony of Maada Bundeh stands as a testament to the intricate web of circumstances surrounding the tragic demise of Sinnah Kargbo. In the crucible of justice, the pursuit of truth and accountability remains paramount, as the wheels of justice inexorably turn towards resolution and closure.