By Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications Unit

The Resident High Court Judge of Port Loko district covering Kambia, Lungi, Lunsar, Masiaka and Port Loko town, Hon. Justice Abdul Sheriff J, has sentenced accused Abdulai Salieu Kamara popularly known as Loketo to death by hanging.

According to the particulars of offence, accused Abdulai Salieu Kamara on the 5th day of September, 2020 at Kambia section, Magbema chiefdom in Kambia district in the North-West Province of Sierra Leone murdered six years old Elizabeth Kamara.

The deceased was a niece to the 29 years old convict, Loketo, a farmer in Senthai village. The accused ‘Loketo’ reportedly beheaded the deceased (Elizabeth Kamara) following information from a sorcerer that the deceased’s father bewitched his (accused) wife and children. Out of malice, he beheaded the six years old to death.

State Counsel, M.P.M Lappia prosecuted the case and M. Korie Esq represented the accused. The mode of trial was by judge and jury.

In proving its case, eight witnesses including the factual witness were led in evidence by the prosecution. At the close of the prosecution’s case, the defence relied entirely on his statement to the police and made final submission.

Summing up was done by the judge to direct the jury on law relating to the evidence. They unanimously returned a verdict of guilty as charged.

In delivering his judgement, Justice Sheriff said the plea taken by the accused was recorded as not guilty.

In consideration of the guilty verdict returned by the jury and the malicious fashion by which the said murder was committed, the accused was sentenced to death by hanging by the judge.