BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In an ongoing court martial trial at the High Court of Sierra Leone, the twelfth witness, Corporal David Saidu, attached to the RSLAF Investigation Department, revealed evidence gathered regarding the fourth, fifth, and twelfth accused persons who allegedly stormed various military facilities and the Pademba Road Correctional Centre. The trial was presided over by Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba.
Corporal Saidu stated that he and Detective Inspector Mawoh Kargbo obtained voluntary statements from the accused persons on December 4th, 2023, cautioning and questioning them in both English and Krio. The fourth accused person responded in Krio and affixed his thumbprint, indicating understanding and cooperation. As an investigator primarily stationed at Cockrill Barrack, Corporal Saidu claimed familiarity with the accused persons and recognized them during the interviews.
On December 6th, 2023, Corporal Saidu reiterated that he had the opportunity to question and caution the accused persons, and he recognized the statements obtained from them. The prosecutor requested Corporal Saidu to read the evidence aloud for the court records, and documents were tendered for cross-examination by counsels from both sides.
Corporal Saidu emphasized that the investigation began with smaller pieces of evidence and informed the accused persons of their rights, including the option to remain silent and seek legal representation. He also mentioned taking a voluntary statement from the sixth accused person, which was read and explained in Krio before being signed.
Regarding the fourth accused person’s denial of involvement in the Pademba Road Correctional Centre firing, Corporal Saidu noted that CCTV footage contradicted this claim, showing the sixth accused person firing during the prison break.
The trial was adjourned by Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba to Thursday, February 8th, 2024.
