By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Freetown High Court has on Friday August 9, 2024 concluded an extensive eight-month trial involving 26 military officers accused of participating in the November 2023 coup attempt. Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba pronounced severe sentences for the convicted officers, with 24 of them receiving prison terms of up to 120 years each. These sentences will run concurrently.
The court martial, overseen by President Captain Lawrence Jabati and a six-member Board delivered a verdict of guilty for 24 of the accused, while the 19th defendant, RSLAF Woi Sitta Dumbuya, was acquitted and discharged. He had faced multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit mutiny and conduct prejudicing military discipline, but was found not guilty on all counts.
- Sergeant Ibrahim Bundu Kamara (2nd accused) was found guilty on all 19 counts and sentenced to a maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Staff Sergeant Albert Bassie Conteh (3rd accused) found guilty on all 29 counts and sentenced to maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Staff Sergeant Abu Dauda (4th accused): Guilty on all 32 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Corporal Thalie Marah (5th accused): Guilty on all 44 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Corporal Edward Koroma (6th accused): Guilty on all 14 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Sergeant Mohamed Kamara (7th accused): Guilty on all 16 counts. Maximum jail term of 80 years.
- Lance Corporal Eustace Neka (8th accused): Guilty on all 31 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Staff Sergeant Idrissa Kallon (9th accused): Guilty on all 39 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Corporal John Turay (10th accused): Guilty on all 16 counts. Maximum jail term of 80 years.
- Corporal Aiah Gbenda (11th accused): Guilty on all 7 counts. Maximum jail term of 70 years.
- Corporal Alie Kamara (12th accused): Guilty on all 11 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Lance Corporal Musa Maligie (13th accused): Guilty on all 40 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Private Abdul Razack Kamara (14th accused): Guilty on all 40 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Sergeant Momoh Kargbo (15th accused): Guilty on all 41 counts. Maximum jail term of 100 years.
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Philip Adikalie Turay (16th accused): Guilty on all 9 counts. Maximum jail term of 80 years.
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles James Mishek Yamba (17th accused): Guilty on all 6 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Warrant Officer Class 1 Sitta Dumbuya (19th accused): Not guilty on all 4 counts. Acquitted and discharged.
- Sergeant Kemoh Fofanah (20th accused): Guilty on all 18 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura (21st accused): Guilty on all 40 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Warrant Officer Class 2 Alpha Turay (22nd accused): Guilty on all 7 counts. Maximum jail term of 120 years.
- Corporal Abu Bakarr Turay (23rd accused): Guilty on all 5 counts. Maximum jail term of 90 years.
- Sergeant Rashid Koroma (24th accused): Guilty on all 5 counts. Maximum jail term of 90 years.
- Sergeant Omar Fayiah Lebbie (25th accused): Guilty on all 5 counts. Maximum jail term of 50 years.
- Lance Corporal Hassan Sesay (26th accused): Guilty on all 5 counts. Maximum jail term of 80 years.
- Lance Corporal Abu Samuel Kamara (27th accused): Guilty on all 6 counts. Maximum jail term of 80 years.
The Court Martial, which began on January 8, 2024, initially involved 27 defendants facing 88 charges. All accused, except Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma (1st accused), pleaded not guilty. He admitted guilt to nine charges, leading to a 30-year prison term for those counts, with the remaining charges dropped.
Lance Corporal Abu Bakarr Koroma (18th accused) was granted a separate trial due to a medical condition. His case will resume at a later date.
The defendants faced charges including mutiny, conspiracy to commit mutiny, murder, and aiding the enemy. The prosecution, led by YS Koroma, JAK Sesay, and Colonel MBS Kamara, presented 37 witnesses and 188 exhibits. The defense, represented by Ady Macauley, Ibrahim Bangura, Julius Kofi, and others, countered with 29 witnesses, including two unsworn statements.
The Court Martial was presided over by Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba, with Captain Lawrence Jabati and a board of seven military officers overseeing the proceedings.
This trial marks a significant chapter in Sierra Leone’s legal history, holding accountable those involved in the violent coup attempt against the government.
Lans Corporal Abubakar Koroma, was tried separately due to health issues.
The charges against the 24 convicted officers included mutiny, aiding the enemy, communication with the enemy, murder, and other serious violations. The prosecution presented a robust case with 37 witnesses and 188 exhibits. In contrast, the defense called 27 witnesses in support of the accused.
During sentencing, Defense Attorneys emphasized the defendants’ long service in the military and their family responsibilities, pleading for leniency. Despite these appeals, the court’s decision reflects the gravity of the attempted coup, which saw armed men storm the nation’s armory and a prison, resulting in the deaths of 18 security personnel.
The trial’s conclusion marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s legal and political history, holding the coup plotters accountable for their actions. The court announced that a separate trial date would be set for Lans Corporal Abubakar Koroma due to his ongoing health condition.
The November 2023 coup attempt led to a significant security crisis in Sierra Leone. Armed insurgents breached military and prison facilities, leading to the release of over 2,000 inmates and the deaths of numerous security personnel. Authorities apprehended around 80 suspects, including former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who was later granted medical leave. The court’s decision follows the recent sentencing of 11 civilians involved in the coup, with alleged leader Amadu Koita Makalo receiving a 182-year prison term.
