By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a significant development, all individuals standing trial for treason in Sierra Leone, including Amadu Koita Makalo, Mohamed Jalloh, Sgt. Mohamed Salifu Kamara, Ramatu Kanda Conteh, Alimatu Hassan Bangura, Hassan Leigh, Mohamed Wurrie, ASP Ibrahim Sesay, Tamba Yamba, Kabba Kamara and Abdul Sorie Hassan Kamara, have been found guilty.
The accused were convicted on Counts 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. However, no verdict has been reached on Counts 13 and 14, which involve another accused, Bai Mamoud Bangura, currently out on bail.
The charges against the accused included treason and other offenses for their roles in what authorities described as an attempted coup on November 26, 2023. A twelve-member jury unanimously returned a guilty verdict against all eleven accused on July 22, 2024.
In his address to the jurors before they deliberated, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda emphasized the importance of their duty to ensure justice with integrity, fairness, and independence.
“Your sacred duty in this trial is to apply the law as directed. The evidence from both the prosecution and the defense has been presented. Your responsibility is to ensure that justice is manifestly and undoubtedly seen to be done,” stated Hon. Justice Kamanda.
The convicted individuals, now facing significant sentences, include:
– Amadu Koita Makalo (1st Convict): 52 years each on counts 1 and 2, 40 years each on counts 3-6, and 60 years each on counts 17-19, totaling 162 years.
– Mohamed Jalloh (2nd Convict): 52 years each on counts 1 and 2, 70 years each on counts 3-6, 60 years each on counts 17-19, and 4 years on count 20.
– Sgt. 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara (3rd Convict): 52 years each on counts 1 and 2, 40 years on count 7.
– Ramatu Kamanda Conteh (4th Convict): 30 years on count 10.
– Alimatu Hassan Bangura (5th Convict): 60 years on count 8, 5 years on count 9.
– Hassan Leigh (6th Convict): 35 years on count 11, 4 years on count 12.
– Mohamed Wurrie (7th Convict): 52 years each on counts 1 and 2.
– ASP Ibrahim Sesay (9th Convict): 40 years on count 15, 4 years on count 16.
– Tamba Yamba (10th Convict): 52 years each on counts 1 and 2, 60 years on count 19.
– Kabba Kamara (11th Convict): 52 years each on counts 1 and 2, 60 years on count 19.
– Abdul Sorie Hassan Kamara (12th Convict): 52 years each on counts 1 and 2, 60 years on count 19.
During the trial, the judge agreed to separate the trial of Bai Mahmoud Bangura, the 8th accused, from the others.
Several convicts, including Ramatu Kamanda Conteh, pleaded for mercy, citing personal circumstances. However, State Counsel A. J. M. Bockarie argued that the sentences should serve as a deterrent to future coup attempts.
Handing down his sentence, Hon. Justice Kamanda emphasized that the judgment should serve as a deterrent to those who conspire to overthrow a constitutionally elected Government.
The prosecution alleged that the accused conspired to seize and control key military and governmental facilities in Freetown and to overthrow the Government by unlawful means between November 5 and November 26, 2023.
As the treason trial of Amadu Koita Makalo and 11 others reached its conclusion, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda issued a poignant reminder to the jury, emphasizing their critical role in upholding justice.
“Mr. foreman and members of the jury, may I remind you that your sacred duty in this trial is to apply the law as I have directed you. The entirety of the evidence from the prosecution and the defence was adduced before you. The responsibility entrusted upon you is sacred, to ensure that justice is manifestly and undoubtedly seen to be done with integrity, fairness and independence, which is the bastion of our judicial system,” Hon. Justice Kamanda stated.
The judge’s remarks underscored the importance of the jury’s role in delivering a verdict that reflects the principles of justice and the integrity of the judicial system.
