By: Audrey Raymonda John
Former military officer Sallieu Jalloh, aged 52, appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima-Jah at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 in Freetown on charges of conspiring to unlawfully overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone.
Jalloh faces two serious charges: Treason, contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offences Act No. 10 of 1963, Misprision of Treason, contrary to law
According to the prosecution, between 1st January 2024 and 13th March 2025, Jalloh allegedly conspired with Captain Aiah Aba Senessie, Sergeant Bangura of Waterloo, Retired Sergeant Kamara, and others to procure AK-47 rifles for the purpose of overthrowing the government.
It is further alleged that Jalloh contacted both security personnel and civilians to assist in acquiring firearms and ammunition. On 8th March 2024, he reportedly instructed Sandy Sesay and his men to be on standby for what he described as an “imminent power transition.”
Additionally, between 26th November 2023 and 26th November 2024, Jalloh is accused of concealing knowledge of treasonous activities carried out by Captain Senessie and others.
Detective Police Officer Hassan Commies (1818), attached to the CID Headquarters’ Operations Department, testified that Jalloh was arrested in Makeni on 13th March 2025 and brought to Freetown. The case was assigned to him for investigation.
Commies told the court that he and Detective Sergeant Solomon Amadu (8904) interviewed the accused. During the interview: Amadu posed questions in Krio, Commies recorded the answers in English, the statement was read back to Jalloh in Krio, Jalloh confirmed its accuracy and signed it with his right-hand thumbprint.
The caution statement was produced and formally tendered in court.
Under cross-examination by the defense, Commies confirmed that he was not present at the time of Jalloh’s arrest in Makeni. He said he had no knowledge of whether the accused’s eyes were blindfolded during the arrest. He confirmed that he retrieved the accused’s mobile phone during the investigation. He also confirmed that the accused admitted to knowing Captain Senessie.
Magistrate Mustapha Brima-Jah emphasized the serious nature of the charges, noting that the case will likely be committed to the High Court. He advised the defense team to prepare thoroughly for the proceedings.
Jalloh was remanded at the Male Correctional Centre, and the matter was adjourned to Tuesday, 10th June 2025, for continuation.