By: Audrey Raymonda John
On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, appeared in court wearing brown and white long-sleeve shirt and brown trousers. He faced allegations of overthrowing the government of Sierra Leone on November 26, 2023.
Ernest Bai Koroma was standing trial on four counts, including treason, misprision of treason, and two charges of harboring individual’s contrary to Sierra Leone’s laws. The charge sheet outlined that between November 5 and 26, 2023, Koroma allegedly prepared to overthrow the government through unlawful means. Additionally, between November 20 and 25, 2023, he was accused of harboring individuals involved in the plot.
The charges also claimed that on November 29, 2023, in Makeni, Koroma knowingly concealed the treasonous activities of individuals involved in the plot. When the charges were read to him, no plea was entered.
Lamin Tarawalie, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, serving as the lead state prosecutor, informed the court that a witness was present and proposed starting with a token testimony. However, Magistrate Bangura suggested scheduling the testimony for a later date due to time constraints. Both the prosecution and defense counsels agreed, and the matter was adjourned to January 17, 2024, for the hearing.
Magistrate Bangura did not comment on bail during the hearing. However, after the court session, the former president was granted bail at the High Court in Freetown, with the same conditions as those granted at the Criminal Investigation Department.
The legal representation for the state included the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lamin Tarawalie, Director of Public Prosecutor Osman Kanu, AJM Bockarie, Robert Kowa, A. Jalloh, and JMS Bull. Ernest Bai Koroma’s defense team comprised Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara as lead counsel, along with Melron Nicole Wilson, Lansana Dumbuya, A. S Sesay, Ady Macaulay, L.A Kamara, Alice Koroma, Ibrahim Mansaray, Foday Mansaray, Saidu Bangura, Chernor Kamara, and I A Kamara.
In another developments, Twelve individuals, including Amadu Koita Makolo Mohamed Jalloh, Sergeant 10020 Salifu Kamara, Ramatu Kamanda Conteh, Alimatu Hassan Bangura, Hassan Leigh, Mohamed Woodie, Bai Mamadu Bangura, ASP Ibrahim Sesay, Tamba Yamba, Kabba Kamara, and Abdul Sorie Hassan Kamara, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Court No.2 Pademba Road, Freetown, on Tuesday, facing charges of treason and other offenses.
During the proceedings, the 8th accused, Bai Mamoud Bangura, former APC Youths Minister, was absent in court. The magistrate inquired about his condition, and Commissioner Lahai, Director of Crime Services, informed the court that Bai Mamoud Bangura is admitted to the Police hospital in Kingtom.
State prosecutors, including Osman Kanu, AGM Bockarie, JMS Bull, A. Jalloh, J.K Sesay, A.V Koroma, E. Sacco, A. Lansana, and T.B Zizer, represented the prosecution. The lead defense counsel, AGM Bockarie Esq, sought an adjournment, while Defense Counsel Chernor Kamara mentioned that he had nothing to say as the charges had not yet been presented to the accused.
All the accused individuals were remanded to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown, and the matter was adjourned to January 9, 2024.