Seven of Twelve Jurors Absent in Sia Fatu Kamara Murder Trial, Delaying Proceedings

The murder trial of Abdul Kpaka, accused in the killing of his girlfriend Sia Fatu Kamara, has been delayed yet again after seven of the twelve jurors, including the foreman, failed to appear for the scheduled hearing.

This significant absence prompted the court to adjourn proceedings until August 22, 2025.

The court was prepared to move forward with the trial when the judge was informed by the court registrar that the foreman had sent a message citing attendance at exams as his reason for absence.

Lead Defence Lawyer Emmanuel Teddy Koroma expressed strong concerns regarding the communication with jurors about the trial schedule.

He requested a 15-minute recess to allow the remaining jurors to assemble, highlighting his frustration with the two-week delay and lack of progress in the case.

Koroma also criticized the prosecution for contributing to what he deemed an "unnecessary" adjournment.

In response, Lead State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay refuted claims of prosecutorial fault, explaining that the judge had been unavailable.

He opposed a stand-down of the case, asserting the validity of the foreman's excuse and the uncertainty of his return.

Prosecutor Sesay also emphasized the legal requirement for all twelve jurors to be present for the trial to proceed.

During the previous hearing on July 23, 2025, Christiana Kamara, the deceased's younger sister, testified.

She described her sister's ongoing loving relationship with Kpaka despite suspicions of abusive behavior, noting that her sister had mentioned verbal abuse but never physical violence.

Kamara detailed Kpaka's presence during the post-mortem rituals for the deceased.

However, she contradicted parts of her police statement concerning her sister's recurring breathing difficulties, clarifying that such episodes were isolated and not medically related.

She also raised suspicions about her sister's death after observing a cut on her upper lip and a bloodstain on her lower lip.

Kpaka faces charges of murder and perverting the course of justice. The trial is now set to resume on August 22, 2025, pending the availability of a full panel of jurors.