Justice Ganda Threatens to Dismiss High-Profile Murder Trial Due to Prosecutors' Absence

In a move that could greatly affect the current proceedings, Justice Alfred Ganda has warned that the murder trial of Abdul Kpaka may be dismissed if prosecutors do not appear in court next week.

This warning was issued during the murder trial of Abdul Kpaka, who is charged with the death of his girlfriend, Sia Fatu Kamara. The alleged incident took place at Kpaka’s residence in Goderich, Freetown, last year.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at High Court No. 2 in Freetown, Justice Ganda expressed significant dissatisfaction with the absence of the prosecution team. The lead defense counsel, Emmanuel Teddy Koroma, highlighted this issue to the court, noting that prosecutors failed to appear despite being present earlier that day.

Mr. Koroma requested that the court either discharge his client or close the prosecution’s case if no further witnesses were to be presented. He argued that the extended delay was unfair to Mr. Kpaka and suggested that resolving the matter would allow the defense sufficient time to prepare their case.

While acknowledging the presence of the prosecution’s witnesses, Mr. Koroma emphasized the absence of the prosecutors. He mentioned that both he and the jurors had been waiting for the trial to commence since the morning and remarked that the case had previously advanced quickly under the former judge but had been delayed under the current proceedings.

In response, Justice Ganda attempted to contact the lead state prosecutor, Yusuf Isaac Sesay. Despite Mr. Koroma providing a contact number, Mr. Sesay did not respond. Mr. Koroma added that he had made several attempts to reach Mr. Sesay and was informed that the prosecutor was in his office at the time.

Interestingly, witnesses and legal practitioners noted Mr. Sesay’s presence in the courtroom earlier that day until around noon. During that time, Justice Ganda was occupied with another appeal case in a different courtroom.

Mr. Kpaka faces two charges: murder and perverting the course of justice. The prosecution claims that the murder occurred on August 13, 2024, at Mr. Kpaka’s residence in Goderich, where the victim, Sia Fatu Kamara, was found deceased.

The case has been adjourned until June 24, 2025, pending further developments.