The city of Freetown was rocked by tragedy on March 1st, 2024, when James Conteh, also known as James Okey, was reportedly brutally murdered at the Ascension Town Cemetery. Now, six individuals find themselves accused of conspiracy and murder in connection with this heinous crime, as the case unfolds in Freetown's legal system.

The chilling details of the incident emerged during the testimony of Aminata Lansana, the victim's mother, who became the first witness in the ongoing trial. Lansana, a resident of Kingtom and a vendor of cookery, recounted the devastating phone call she received on that fateful day, informing her of her son's untimely demise.

In a heart-wrenching narrative, Lansana described rushing to the scene of the crime with neighbors, only to be dissuaded by her sisters from viewing her son's mutilated body. Instead, she dispatched her sisters, Angela and Jwendeh Kamara, accompanied by her two other sons, to report the incident to the authorities.

According to police reports, Hassan Kamara ("Shine Face"), Brima Kamara, Brima Tarawallie, Abu Bakarr Kamara, Samuel Turay, and Fatmata Turay—all residents of Freetown—are alleged to have conspired with others to carry out the brutal murder of James Conteh.

The emotional proceedings were punctuated by objections from the defense counsel, prompting the prosecution, led by Chief Superintendent of Police (ASP) Juan Bull, to request an adjournment for further consultation with Lansana.

In response to the request, Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 granted an adjournment and ordered the remand of all six defendants in custody pending further proceedings. The case is scheduled to resume on Friday, April 19th, 2024.

As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits justice for the tragic loss of James Conteh and hopes for a resolution that will bring closure to his grieving loved ones.