By: Audrey Raymonda John
Former military officer Sallieu Jalloh (52) made his second appearance before
Magistrate Shar Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown on Thursday, 21st May 2025. He is facing charges of treason and misprision of treason, related to allegations that he conspired with other unknown individuals to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
Jalloh is standing trial on two counts: treason under Section 3 (1)(a) of the Treason and State Offences Act 1963, Act No. 10 of 1963, and misprision of treason.
The charge sheet states that between 1st January 2024 and 13th March 2025, Jalloh allegedly took actions to prepare for an unlawful overthrow of the government. It is further alleged that between 1st January 2024 and 31st January 2024, Jalloh conspired with Captain Aiah Aba Senessie, Sergeant Bangura of Waterloo, Retired Sergeant Kamara, and other unnamed individuals to purchase AK-47 rifles, intended for use in the planned overthrow.
The charge sheet also outlines that Jalloh facilitated the purchase of these rifles by connecting Captain Aiah Aba Senessie with Retired Sergeant Kamara and other individuals involved in the conspiracy. Jalloh is accused of providing contact information for the purchase of both the rifles and ammunition needed for the unlawful operation.
Additionally, the charge sheet states that on 8th March 2024, Jalloh allegedly instructed Sandy Sesay and his associates to be on standby to execute a power transition, which was believed to be imminent.
Jalloh is further accused of concealing the commission of treason between 26th November 2023 and 26th November 2024, well knowing that Captain Aiah Aba Senessie and others had committed treason.
After the charges were read to Jalloh on his first appearance, he did not enter a plea.
State Prosecutor Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq. requested a short adjournment to confer with witnesses. Magistrate Kekura denied Jalloh bail and remanded him to the correctional facility. The matter was adjourned to 28th May 2025 for further proceedings.