By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown, September 24, 2025 — Six men accused in connection with the robbery and murder of Reverend Father Augustine Dauda Amadu appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on Wednesday. The accused, Martin Sellu, Gbassay Swarray, Foday Sallu, John Bangalie (alias Boika), Joseph Gilamaja Kamara (alias Shine), and Foday Alhassan Sesay, face five counts, including conspiracy to commit robbery with aggravation, conspiracy to murder, robbery with aggravation, murder, and receiving stolen goods under Section 33(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
Chief Superintendent of Police Tommy B. Zizer led the prosecution’s first witness in evidence. He recounted that Reverend Father Michael Thomas Lamboi had reported the incident, which occurred at a church residence in Kenema. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found Reverend Father Amadu lying motionless in his bathroom. Scene of Crime Officer D.Sgt. Bangura examined the body and took photographs, which were later tendered in court.
The body was transported to Kenema Government Hospital and subsequently to the 34 Military Hospital for autopsy. The cause of death report was submitted and admitted into evidence.
During the investigation, the first defendant, Martin Sellu, was interviewed and provided a statement in Krio, which was translated into English and affirmed with his thumbprint. His statement led to further arrests in Bo, where defendants two through five were identified and gave statements, each confirmed with their thumbprints.
Cross-examination by the defendants raised questions about the scope of investigation and the evidence linking them to the crime. Defendant Joseph G. Kamara challenged the claim of his involvement, while Foday Alhassan Sesay questioned the search of his business premises, where allegedly stolen items were found. He maintained he was unaware the items were stolen.
Magistrate Jah denied bail and remanded all six defendants to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to September 29, 2025.
According to the charge sheet, between August 1 and August 29, 2025, in Bo City, the first five defendants allegedly conspired with unknown persons to commit robbery and murder. On August 30, in Buma III Section, Kenema, they reportedly used a locally made single-barrel gun to rob Reverend Father Amadu of a grey Lenovo laptop valued at $350 and Le5,000 in cash, using personal violence during the act. The sixth defendant is accused of receiving the stolen laptop in Waterloo, knowing it had been unlawfully obtained.
No pleas were taken, though the sixth defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge of receiving stolen property.