BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In a riveting turn of events at the ongoing Court Martial trial, Sergeant Bangura Osman Thompson, the 17th prosecution witness, revealed startling information implicating the fourth accused, Staff Sergeant Abu Dauda. Testifying on Friday, February 16th, 2024, Sergeant Bangura disclosed that Dauda had consulted an herbalist seeking spiritual fortification.
Sergeant Bangura, a military investigator stationed at Cockrill, was part of the team tasked with interrogating the accused following the attempted coup on December 28th, 2023. Collaborating with detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department, Bangura cautioned and questioned Dauda in the presence of fellow investigators.
According to Bangura’s testimony, Dauda confessed to seeking spiritual protection from a herbalist, who provided him with a liquid substance to apply on his body. Dauda purportedly sought this fortification to shield himself from potential attackers or ambushes. Bangura emphasized that such practices were not uncommon within military ranks.
Additionally, Dauda denied any involvement in the procurement of weapons, specifically refuting claims of receiving three bags of coal containing arms. However, investigators discovered 19 black rounds in Dauda’s room, which he alleged to have stumbled upon after a training session. He admitted negligence in not surrendering the rounds as required.
Dauda vehemently denied complicity in the events of November 26th, 2023, asserting that he only discharged his weapon in self-defense against attacking enemies.
The revelation of Dauda’s consultation with a herbalist adds a new layer to the ongoing trial, shedding light on the accused’s attempts to fortify himself spiritually amidst the tumultuous circumstances surrounding the coup attempt.
The trial continues as Judge Advocate Mark Negebe and the Board carefully weigh the evidence presented before them.
