BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In a riveting turn of events at the High Court of Sierra Leone in Freetown, Detective Inspector Mohamed Jusu, a cyber security analyst attached to the Cyber Crime Unit at the Criminal Investigation Department, took center stage as the twenty-sixth witness in the ongoing court martial proceedings. Jusu’s testimony shed light on a web of incriminating audio messages and call logs allegedly plotting the overthrow of President Bio.
On Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, Jusu detailed his role in retrieving crucial evidence implicating several accused individuals in a conspiracy to destabilize the government. Through his investigative prowess, Jusu unearthed WhatsApp audio messages exchanged among key figures involved in the purported plot.
The accused persons identified in the damning messages included Alhaji Koroma, Ibrahim Bundu Kamara, Albert Bassie Conteh, Abu Dauda, Mohamed Kamara, Eustace Neka, Idrissa Kallon, and Ibrahim Tholly Bangura. These individuals allegedly communicated their intentions through encrypted channels, believing their conversations to be secure.
Utilizing advanced cyber forensic techniques, Jusu meticulously analyzed the retrieved audio messages and call logs. He revealed that the messages were intercepted on November 25th and 26th, 2023, providing critical evidence of the accused individuals’ intentions.
Furthermore, Jusu elaborated on his methodology, explaining how he utilized specialized software, including the “Hash Calculator,” to decrypt the encrypted messages and verify the integrity of the evidence. His comprehensive examination extended to the extraction of electronic materials from the accused persons’ phones, ensuring a thorough investigation.
During cross-examination, the prosecution sought to tender a flash drive containing the saved audio messages as evidence. However, objections from the defense counsel, citing concerns over the custody of the primary source document, led to deliberation and ultimately, an adjournment of proceedings.
Presiding Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba’s ruling to proceed with the presentation of the flash drive underscores the gravity of the evidence presented by Detective Inspector Mohamed Jusu. With the court martial poised to reconvene on Thursday, March 21st, 2024, anticipation mounts as the trial unfolds, revealing further details of the alleged plot to overthrow President Bio’s government.
