Case of Soldier Accused of Killing Colleague Adjourned Over Missing Witness

The case of Corporal Joseph Lamin Steven (18181456), charged with the alleged killing of his colleague, Military Officer Moses Brima Kabba, has been adjourned at Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 due to the absence of a prosecution witness.

The matter was presided over by Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah. Corporal Steven faces one count of murder, contrary to Section 1 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861, as amended by Section 1(a) of the Schedule to the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act, 2021 (Act No. 6 of 2022).

According to the indictment, on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at the Presidential Lodge, Freetown International Airport, Lungi, in the Port Loko Judicial District, Steven allegedly shot and killed his colleague over an alleged dispute involving $100.

During Monday’s court session, Prosecutor ASP Ibrahim Mansaray confirmed that all relevant documents had been served on the defendant to allow him to prepare his defense. However, he noted that the prosecution witness scheduled to testify did not appear in court.

Following the mention of the matter, Principal Magistrate Jah remanded the defendant at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case has been adjourned to 26 January 2026 for further proceedings.