Laptop Evidence Links Accused to Murder of Reverend Father Augustine, Court Hears

The tragic murder of Reverend Father Augustine Dauda Amadu took center stage at Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Monday, 29th September 2025, as witness testimony revealed the circumstances surrounding the priest’s brutal death.

The six accused Martin Sellu, Gbassay Swarray, Foday Sallu, John Bangalie alias Boika, Joseph Gilamaja Kamara alias Shine, and Foday Alhassan Sesay appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah, facing charges including murder, conspiracy, armed robbery, and receiving stolen property.

Reverend Father Michael Thomas Lamboi, a key witness, recounted the events of 30th August 2025. He testified that after morning prayers at his church, he received several missed calls and was later informed of Father Amadu’s death. Acting swiftly, he traveled to Kenema, passing an ambulance and a gathering of people heading to the mortuary. Upon reaching the priest’s residence, he found it closed, and then proceeded to the police station to make a formal statement.

The body of Reverend Father Amadu was subsequently transported to Freetown for a post-mortem examination.

The prosecution explained that the accused allegedly conspired to commit robbery and murder in Bo City and Kenema. It is alleged that on 30th August, armed with a locally made gun, the suspects robbed the priest of a laptop valued at $350 and five thousand Leones in cash, using violence during the attack. The sixth defendant is also accused of receiving stolen property a laptop taken from another victim in Waterloo.

The accused did not enter a plea, as the case is still at the stage of preliminary investigation.

Detective Police Officer Issa Kamara also testified, confirming the seizure of a laptop linked to the case.

Given the gravity of the allegations, Magistrate Jah remanded all six men into custody at the Male Correctional Center, with their next hearing scheduled for 6th October 2025.