A sensitive land dispute matter between Pastor Joe Kai and members of the Turay family has been adjourned to Thursday, May 14, 2026, by the Chairman of Mile 38 Local Court No. 4, Chief Sanpha Bangura, following a preliminary hearing held at the court barrie in Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko District.
The case, which has attracted significant public attention within the community, was heard on Tuesday, May 5, 2026; at the Chairman’s packed court barrie in the Mile 38 community. Present during the proceedings were members of the Turay family, including the Section Chief for Rowal Village in Roponka Section, Chief Pa Alhaji Turay, alongside Pa Momoh Turay, Ya Mbora Turay and Ibrahim Turay.
Court officials, witnesses, stakeholders from various sections of the chiefdom and concerned residents also attended the hearing, which focused on a disputed large expanse of land situated at Rowal Village.
However, the complainant, Pastor Joe Kai, reportedly failed to appear before the court at the commencement of proceedings, prompting concerns from the respondents and members of the public in attendance.
Members of the Turay family unanimously appealed to the Chairman to ensure that Pastor Joe Kai appears in court at the next hearing in order to facilitate speedy and transparent proceedings on the matter.
Responding to the request, Chief Sanpha Bangura assured attendees that every necessary effort would be made to guarantee the presence of the complainant at the next adjourned date. He subsequently postponed the matter to May 14, 2026.
Addressing those gathered before announcing the adjournment, Chairman Bangura emphasized the importance of peace, unity and mutual respect within Koya Chiefdom. Invoking the name of Allah and God, he prayed for continued harmony and development across the chiefdom and Sierra Leone as a whole.
“We have only one Koya Chiefdom which belongs to every one of us,” Chairman Bangura stated.
He also offered special prayers for the Paramount Chief of the area, PC Kompa Bomboli, whom he described as the “Chiefdom Father,” while urging residents to remain united for the progress and stability of the community.
Chairman Bangura further underscored the need for truth, fairness and equality in resolving disputes, stressing that peaceful coexistence remains essential for sustainable development.
“I am seated here to settle disputes, discouraging malice, guaranteeing and protecting your natural rights under the firm supervision of the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Local Government and related institutions,” he told attendees.
The Chairman additionally disclosed that both parties had earlier agreed that the disputed land should be flagged ahead of the court proceedings to prevent possible contempt of court and conflict of interest during the hearing process.
According to him, the agreed flags have already been erected around the disputed acres of land located at Rowal Village pending the final determination of the matter.
The adjournment has heightened public interest in the case, with many residents expected to closely follow proceedings when the matter resumes next Thursday at Mile 38 Local Court No. 4.
