By: Audrey Raymonda John
State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay has on Wednesday 14th August 2024 informed the presiding magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No2 that he will take another line of action on the alleged treason allegations against Alie Badara Kanu AKA captain Makeni and Thaimu Bangura.
When the matter was mentioned, the state counsel Yusuf I sesay informed the court that he had received an instruction to take over the matter and in the circumstance requested for a date to be given an opportunity to prepare his witnesses.
He went on to state that due to the serious nature of the matter a line of action will be taken as against the next adjourned date.
Defense lawyer M Y kanu in reply said the accused has been in custody since April and up till now there has been no progress, he urged the prosecution to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserved and not to be given excuses all the time.
He said the accused person are suffering and in the interest of justice urged the prosecution for a speedy trial.
Magistrate Bangura however granted the application made the prosecution and adjourned the matter to Wednesday 21st August 2024 for further hearing whiles the accused persons were remanded in prison
The accused persons Alie Badara Kanu AKA captain Makeni and Thaimu Bangura were arraigned before the court on two count charges of treason and misprision of treason both contrary law.
According to the indictment, it was stated that the accused on diverse dates between 24 June, 2023 and 29 June 2024 in Sierra Leone prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
The police further alleged on the over act that the accused persons between June 2023 and March 2024 in furtherance of the preparation to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means, Captain Alie Badara operated a Whatsapp communication group.
The over act further that Thaimu Bangura and other persons unknown in preparation to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means created a Whatsapp group called “Movement to the Restoration of Democracy” join by Alie Badara and other members.
The over act further that the accused also on diverse dates on the 31 March 2024 and the 19 April 2024 conspired with other person unknown to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by agreeing to recruit individuals members of the Arm Force Sierra Leone, police force and Ex-military officers across the country.
Also the accused purchased arms and in furtherance of their plot to overthrow and take over the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
The over act further that the accused between the 29 July, 2023 and 31 March 2024 held meeting at Camp junction Waterloo and four mile in furtherance to prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone.
The over act further that accused Thaimu Bangura on 1 March, 2024 in furtherance to plot to over throw the government by unlawful means formatted a code for weapons and also on the 15 April, 2024 circulated military deployments across the country.
It was also alleged that both accused with other person unknown in preparation to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone plan to hold a violent protest which they will use as a cover to carry out their unlawful plot.
The over act further that the accused knowing well that Ceaser , Captain Senesie, captain John Conteh and others had prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra unlawfully concealed the said information.
