By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Six individuals have been remanded in custody following their initial court appearance in connection with the murder of Reverend Father Augustine Dauda Amadu and a series of armed robberies. The suspects were presented before Pademba Road Court No. 1 on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
The accused—Martin Sellu, Gbassay Swarray, Foday Sallu, John Bangalie (alias Boika), Joseph Gilamaja Kamara (alias Shine), and Foday Alhassan Sesay—are facing a five-count charge sheet that includes murder, armed robbery, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property. The proceedings were overseen by Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah.
According to the charges, the men, along with unidentified accomplices, conspired to commit aggravated robbery between August 1 and 29, 2025. The prosecution alleges that on August 30, they armed themselves with a locally made single-barrel gun and fatally attacked Reverend Father Amadu at his residence in Buma III, Kenema District. Among the stolen items were a Lenovo laptop worth $350 and Le 5,000 in cash.
During the hearing, Prosecution Witness Inspector B. Foday from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) recounted the events leading to the crime, noting that Reverend Father Michael Thomas Lamboi was the first to report the incident. Inspector Foday testified that Father Amadu was found unresponsive in his bathroom. Law enforcement secured the scene, documented it with photographs, and transported the body to Kenema Government Hospital for an autopsy. Following a comprehensive investigation, the six suspects were apprehended.
This court appearance marks a significant development in a high-profile case that has garnered public interest. The Sierra Leone Police had previously confirmed the arrest of the suspects in early September, linking them not only to the murder of the priest but also to an armed robbery in Bo that left National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) South Regional Manager Mr. John Lamina severely injured.
At the time of their arrest, police indicated that the group included former convicts and individuals associated with other serious crimes. Foday Alhassan Sesay was specifically identified as a receiver found in possession of stolen property linked to Mr. Lamina.
Magistrate Jah has adjourned the case until September 29, 2025, and the accused will remain in custody pending further proceedings.
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