By Janet A. Sesay
Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens has ordered the Correctional Officers at the Male Correction Center to keep accused, Abdul Kpaka in a confinement area for his safety after being alleged of killing his girlfriend, Sia Fatu Kamara.
The Judge also ordered that Kpaka should not been seen moving around except when he is been given food, also for his safety.
Justice Stevens made this order on Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 at the Freetown High Court after the charges were read and explained to the accused who pleaded not guilty of the offence.
Kpaka is arraigned in court on two count charges of murder contrary to Section 1 Against the Person’s Act of 1861 and perverting the course of justice contrary to law.
The indictment states that Abdul Kpaka, on 13th August, 2024 at Mambo in Freetown, murdered Sia Fatu Kamara. The indictment furthered that Kpaka, on 14th August, 2024 and other days thereafter, fabricated evidence with intent to pervert the course of Justice.
After pleading not guilty to the offence, the learned Judge informed that there is a new Criminal Procedures Act but it is not yet effective. He said the new Act has been signed by the President which means it is now a law and further informed that he would be dealing with the matter based on the provisions of the new Act but that it will come into effect after it has been gazetted for the stipulated of time stated by law.
The judge however maintained that justice would be served to both sides with no sentiments attached while dealing with the matter.
The learned Judge also made it known to Kpaka that he should prepare his mind and told him that he will not grant him bail during the trial but will ensure that the matter be processed speedily, and assured that justice would be served to both sides fairly.
Addressing both Counsels for the Prosecution and the Defense, Judge Stevens told them that notice should be sent to the Government Printing for copies of the new Criminal Procedures Act. He said this should be done to ensure that justice is done as they have to be guided by rules in the new Act.
State Prosecutor, Yusuf Isaac Sesay sought for a short adjournment, to which the Lead Defense Counsel C. I. Bangura did not object. The accused was remanded in custody until Thursday, 23rd September 2024 for continuation.