By Janet A. Sesay
Justice Augustine K. Musa, who is presiding over the ongoing murder trial of the late journalist, Ibrahim Samura, involving former Mayor Herbert George Williams and Abu Bakarr Daramy, has on Wednesday, in open court, made an order directing the head of CID to return the mobile phone that was taken from Herbert Williams during investigation.
This order came as a result of an application made by Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, defense counsel for Herbert George Williams, in respect of the mobile phone.
Lawyer Dumbuya applied to the court, for all the materials, especially the Techno Mobile phone that was taken from his client at CID, to be given to him on the grounds that the phone is not an exhibit. He further made an application for the deposition served on the accused to be given to the defense team, noting that it is the duty of the prosecution to make them available to the rightful owner.
The state prosecutor, Umu Sumaray, in reply, argued that it is the responsibility of the court and not the prosecutor, but however assured them that she will make the deposition available to the defense team.
Justice Musa, having listened to both sides, ordered the Head of CID, directing him to make available and or return the phone that was taken from the second accused during the investigation.
However, the court could not proceed with the matter due to the incomplete panel of jurors. The registrar, Mr. Sannah, informed the court that there were only six jurors present.
Justice Musa said he does not want to waste any time with the matter, adding that the offences for which the accused were charged are capital offences. “It beholds the court to expedite the matter,” he said.
He therefore urged the registrar to communicate with the undersheriff to ensure that the issue of jurors was settled on the next adjourned date.
The matter was adjourned to 26th August 2020.
Former Mayor Herbert George Williams and Abu Bakarr Daramy are standing trial on two counts charges of conspiracy and murder, which are contrary to law.
According to the indictment, the state alleges that the accused, on 31st March 2018 in Freetown, conspired together and with other persons unknown to murder Ibrahim Samura, who was the Managing Editor of the New Age Newspaper.