By: Saidu Jalloh
Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2 has remanded Kashopeh Smith and her daughter, Remi Smith, following their first appearance on Monday, October 28, 2024, regarding the alleged murder of Superintendent Arnold Adeyemi Coker.
The pair faces four charges, including murder contrary to Section 1 of the Offences Against the Persons Act 1816, as amended by the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2021. Other charges include perverting the course of justice and misprision of felony.
According to the charge sheet, Kashopeh Smith is accused of murdering Superintendent Coker on September 2, 2024, at No. 37 Carr Street, Hastings, Freetown. The police allege that she fabricated evidence to pervert the course of justice. Remi Smith is accused of concealing the murder and also fabricating evidence related to the crime.
No plea was entered when the charges were read. Lead prosecutor ASP Wellington informed the court that the case is new and witnesses are currently unavailable, requesting a short adjournment to bring them forward. In response, defense counsel Claudius Campbell expressed disappointment at the delay, emphasizing the need to expedite the matter given the lengthy detention of the accused.
Magistrate Bangura agreed to the adjournment, setting the next hearing for October 31, 2024, while the accused remain in remand.
