By Audrey Raymonda John
The 7th prosecution witness, Inspector Tamba Kassigbama, attached to the Criminal Investigation Department HQ, continued his testimony before Justice Komba Kamanda, presiding judge over the ongoing treason trial involving Amadu Koita Makolo and 11 others. He identified the 5th accused person, Alimatu Hassan Bangura, as a former police officer attached to the West Africa Police Information System.
During examination in chief led by state lawyer AGM Bockarie, the witness stated that the first accused claimed to have visited the fifth accused’s house in 2020 before traveling to the UK, but investigation revealed that the fifth accused had relocated one year and six months prior to her arrest on December 4, 2023.
State Counsel Bockarie referred the witness to page 10 of the first accused’s statement, asking about Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma, a member of the Sierra Leone armed forces. According to the witness, Alhaji Koroma revealed during the investigation that the first accused had been sending him money for the alleged coup operations and had inquired about arms and ammunition. Alhaji Koroma claimed he had control over 8 rifles and 480 bullets but found it difficult to move them.
Defense counsel S A Conteh objected to this testimony as hearsay, but the prosecutor argued it was the truth revealed during the investigation.
Referring to page 13 of the first accused’s statement, State Counsel asked about “Pa Sesay,” identified as an herbalist, whom the first and second accused allegedly visited for cleansing. The witness confirmed this.
The witness also mentioned “Sorieba,” a security personnel detailed to former President Dr. Ernest Koroma, who was partially injured during crossfire on November 26, 2023. Additionally, “Leader Boot,” a former security personnel, allegedly came from Guinea with the first accused and was involved in the alleged coup.
The witness further testified about individuals implicated in various incidents related to the coup attempt, including the attack on the Wilberforce Military barracks and the murders of Sergeant Alpha Conteh and Chernor Bah.
Regarding CCTV footage and phone analysis, the witness stated that footage was retrieved from the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, showing the first accused at the facility. Pictures extracted from the first accused’s phone were also presented during the investigation.
During cross-examination by defense lawyers, questions were raised about the witness’s involvement in the investigation and his handling of evidence, including phones and statements. The witness affirmed his role in the investigation but faced scrutiny over the handling of certain details and conversations during the inquiry.
The proceedings were adjourned to February 29, 2024, for further cross-examination.
