By: Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara
The High Court in Freetown has heard gripping testimony in the ongoing murder trial of journalist Samuel Brima Mattia, as a key prosecution witness alleged that one of the accused confessed he had been contracted to participate in the killing.
Testifying before Justice Mark Ngegba at the Law Court Building on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Elizabeth Mattia, sister of the late journalist, narrated events she described as deeply troubling and forewarning of her brother’s eventual death.
Led in evidence by State Prosecutor Aisha Dusu Kargbo, Elizabeth told the court that in November 2024 approximately two months before her brother’s death the second accused, Morlai Kamara, approached her at her residence requesting a private discussion regarding the deceased.
According to her testimony, Kamara informed her that the first accused, Joseph Mendel Lamin, had allegedly asked him to find someone who would assist in killing her brother. Sensing the seriousness of the conversation, Elizabeth said she discreetly activated a recording device on her mobile phone before Kamara began speaking in detail.
She told the court that after the meeting, she immediately forwarded the audio recording to her brother and urged him to report the matter to the police. However, she said the deceased responded that he would first inform his adopted mother about the development.
About a week later, Elizabeth testified that she noticed a change in her brother’s demeanor. He appeared disturbed and withdrawn. When she pressed him to explain what was wrong, he allegedly confided that Joseph Mendel Lamin had been persistently pressuring him over money generated at the radio station where he worked.
The deceased further told her, she said, that his adopted mother advised him to temporarily suspend his duties at the station as tensions appeared to be escalating.
Elizabeth Mattia also recounted the events leading to her brother’s disappearance. On January 15, 2025, she said the deceased’s wife contacted her in distress, reporting that he was missing. The two women decided to search for him and proceeded to the radio station.
Upon arrival, they encountered Joseph Mendel Lamin outside the premises. According to her testimony, he told them that he had no knowledge of Samuel’s whereabouts. Shortly afterward, the chairman of the station arrived and invited them into the office. He later suggested that they report the matter to the police.
While they were at the police station making inquiries, Elizabeth said the deceased’s wife received a phone call informing her that Samuel Brima Mattia’s body had been discovered.
Under cross-examination by Mustapha Karim Dauda of the Legal Aid Board, counsel representing the second and third accused, Elizabeth confirmed that Morlai Kamara made the alleged confession at her residence and that another individual identified as Alpha was present during the conversation.
She acknowledged that she was unable to produce the audio recording in court but stated that the recording remains in police custody.
The first accused, Joseph Mendel Lamin identified in court as the manager of Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) is standing trial alongside Morlai Kamara and Umarr Turay. The three men face two counts: conspiracy to commit murder and murder.
Counsel for the first accused, Jonathan Abu Kargbo, informed the court that he would cross-examine the witness when proceedings resume on March 5, 2026.
The matter has been adjourned to next Thursday for continuation of hearing, as the court continues to examine evidence surrounding the circumstances that led to the death of the journalist.
The trial has drawn significant public interest, particularly within media and civil society circles, given the gravity of the allegations and the implications for press freedom and safety of journalists in the country.