Sierra Leone’s grief-stricken media fraternity, has been plunged into shock following a confession by another journalist, that he masterminded the murder of his slain colleague, Samuel Brima Mattia.
The lifeless body of Mattia, a sports journalist and deputy station manager at Vopad Radio 96.5FM in Waterloo, was discovered in a pool of blood on January 16, 2025, a day after he was reported missing.
On January 21, 2025, the Sierra Leone Police informed the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), that Joseph M. Lamin, the station manager of Vopad Radio and principal suspect, has confessed to hiring thugs to assassinate his deputy.
Lamin was, on January 17, 2025, detained after being interrogated as the prime suspect, alongside other staff of Vopad Radio. Following his confession, the alleged killers were also apprehended.
“Police said they have swiftly arrested the alleged hired killers and they are helping with the investigation,” SLAJ said in a statement, while commending the police for their efforts and urging them to ensure justice is served.
The motive behind the killing has not yet been disclosed by the police who have underlined their commitment to unraveling the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) finds it utterly shameful and outrageous that a journalist could sponsor the killing of his colleague for whatever reason. A journalist is supposed to expose criminals, and not be one. Lamin has, therefore, proven himself unfit to be a journalist.
We commend the Sierra Leone Police for the brilliant job so far in their investigation into the murder of Mattias. We urge them to remain resolute in their effort to establish the motive for the killing and bring the perpetrators to face the law.
