By Audrey Raymonda John
The Inspector General of Police and Ernest Bai Koroma, who is standing trial for attempted coup and other offenses, appeared on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Court No.2 on Pademba Road, Freetown.
Ernest Bai Koroma was standing trial before the court on four count charges of treason, misprision of treason, and two count charges of harboring, all contrary to the law of Sierra Leone.
The charge sheet indicated that Ernest Bai Koroma, on diverse dates between November 5 and 26, 2023, in Sierra Leone, prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
Furthermore, the charge sheet stated that Ernest Bai Koroma, between November 20 and 25, 2023, harbored Soriba Mansaray, Yapo Sesay, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura, Sergeant 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara, and Kabba Dumbuya in his premises, in preparedness to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone.
Additionally, the charge sheet alleged that on November 29, 2023, in Makeni, Ernest Bai Koroma, well knowing that Soriba Mansaray, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura, and Yapo Sesay had prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means, unlawfully concealed the commission of the said treason.
After the charges were read and explained to Ernest Bai Koroma, no plea was taken.
Representing the Inspector General was Attorney General/Minister of Justice Mohamed Lamin Tarawallie, Solicitor General Robert B Kowa, Director of Public Prosecution Osman I Kanu, AGM Bockarie, and A Jalloh.
Defending the accused, Ernest Bai Koroma, were Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Lansana Dumbuya, Saidu Bangura, and Chernor Kamara.
AGM Bockarie informed the Court that the accused was not present as he had been granted bail in the High Court.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara replied that they filed an affidavit, sworn to by the sureties Honorable Minkailu Mansaray and Ambassador Foday Yansaneh, indicating the absence of the accused.
AGM Bockarie argued that the Magistrate couldn’t rely on the affidavit as there was a reference not before the Court, and demanded an explanation from the sureties for the accused’s absence.
One of the sureties, Minkailu Mansaray, informed the Court that they had made efforts to obtain a medical report from Nigeria but could not do so in time for the Court session.
They stated that assessments of Ernest Bai Koroma’s health were ongoing, and they would present a medical report once it was available.
AGM Bockarie reiterated that there was no commitment from the sureties regarding when the accused would be present in Court.
Magistrate Santigie Bangura ordered that they should return on March 27, 2024, with the report on the health status of the accused, and proceedings would continue from there.
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