By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – March 2026: Three teenage pupils, including the adopted son of the late nurse Valentina Kamanda, have been remanded by Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No.1 over allegations of murder.
The three made their first court appearance on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder, and receiving stolen property. The charges were brought under the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021, and the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to police allegations, two of the teenagers conspired with others unknown to murder Nurse Valentina Bisodun Catherine Kamanda on February 8, 2026, at her residence on Kamanda Drive, Adonkia, Goderich. The third defendant is accused of receiving stolen items belonging to the deceased, including a Lenovo laptop, an Apple iPad, an iPhone, and several Samsung phones.
No plea was taken when the charges were read. Prosecutor C.S.P. Tommy B. Zizer Esq. served the defendants with bundles of their statements, which they acknowledged receiving. The accused were not represented during the proceedings.
Magistrate Jah refused bail, citing the seriousness of the offences, and adjourned the matter to March 17, 2026. The three defendants were ordered to remain in custody at Pademba Road Prison until the next hearing.