By: Edrie Caleb John
Abu Bakarr Yillah, a police officer, has been arrested and charged with the murder of Fasineh Bangura, a fellow police officer who went missing and was later found dead. Yillah was arraigned at Court No 2 in Pademba Road, Freetown, and faces one count of murder.
The first prosecution witness, Mohamed Lamin Kamara, a nephew of the deceased, testified before Magistrate Santigie Bangura. Kamara described the events leading up to Bangura’s death, including a riot in Youna Town, Tambaka Chiefdom, where military and police personnel clashed with locals. Bangura was taken from his room and shot in the head by Yillah while in a vehicle.
Kamara identified the corpse and obtained the autopsy result, which was tendered as evidence in court. During cross-examination, C Kamara Esq applied for bail, but Magistrate Santigie Bangura denied the application and remanded Yillah to the male correctional facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to September 2, 2024.
The case has sparked attention due to the involvement of police officers and the alleged brutality surrounding Bangura’s death. The prosecution will continue to present its case, seeking justice for the deceased and his family.
