By Ibrahim Kabba Turay
Justice Momoh Jah Stevens has acquitted and discharged Gbessay Kargbo and Amadu Bailor Jalloh, also known as ‘Alias Network,’ after a 12-member jury delivered a not guilty verdict.
Kargbo and Jalloh first appeared at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court before Magistrate Mark Ngegba in March 2022 for a preliminary investigation on two counts: murder and conspiracy to commit murder, contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
The police alleged that on March 9, 2022, the accused murdered Ahmed Boie Kamara at his residence in Freetown.
During the preliminary hearing, the state called several witnesses, including government pathologist and forensic expert, Doctor Simeon Owizz Koroma, who testified that Kamara’s death was unnatural.
In his summing-up address to the jurors, Justice Stevens stated that the prosecution had the burden of proving the case against Kargbo and Jalloh.
The state prosecutor, M.P. Sesay, argued that after Kamara testified against the first defendant in a land matter, the accused threatened him, saying it would be his last testimony in court.
Sesay added that witnesses saw the defendants beating Kamara in Madonkeh village, stating he would never testify in court again. The defendants were reportedly seen leaving the scene on motorbikes shortly before Kamara was found dead a few days later.
Justice Stevens instructed the jury to consider their verdict based on the law and the evidence presented. After deliberation, the jury returned a not guilty verdict on both counts of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.
Consequently, Justice Stevens acquitted and discharged Gbessay Kargbo and Amadu Bailor Jalloh.
