By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, June 4, 2026: The High Court of Sierra Leone has remanded six defendants, including Samuel Turay, who is deaf and dumb, over allegations of conspiracy and murder. The case is being presided over by Justice Alfred Ganda at High Court No. 2 in Freetown.
The accused — Samuel Turay, Hassan Kamara, Fatmata Turay, Braima Kamara, Brima Tarawalie, and Abubakar Kamara — face two counts: conspiracy to murder contrary to Section 4 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and murder contrary to Section 1 of the same Act.
According to the indictment, the defendants allegedly conspired on March 1, 2024, in Freetown to murder James Conteh, and subsequently carried out the act on the same day.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, State Counsel Koroma requested an adjournment to allow the second prosecution witness to testify. The first witness, Chernor Kamara, had already given evidence and been cross-examined by defense counsels J. Kofi and Chernor Kamara.
Justice Ganda ordered that the defendants remain in custody and adjourned the matter to June 10, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
The case has drawn public attention due to the involvement of a defendant with disabilities, raising broader discussions about access to justice and court accommodations for persons with disabilities.