By: Audrey Raymonda John
Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay, alias PAO, the first accused in an ongoing Court Martial in Freetown, has testified in his defense, declaring his innocence against charges of mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, and desertion. Major Sesay gave his testimony on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
During his testimony, Major Sesay attributed the trial to personal grievances, alleging that the fifth accused, Ms. Zainab Amara Suwu, chose him as her romantic partner over three Lieutenant Colonels and a Major General, leading to enmity.
He recounted that he first met the second accused, Juana Kabba, in 2022 while applying for study leave at the Ministry of Defense to pursue a law school program. He further testified that in 2023, he was invited to Guinea to represent the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) in a presentation on borderless trade. Following his successful presentation, he was asked to join a fellowship to extend the initiative across other African countries with similar border issues.
As part of his research on border activities, he visited border-crossing points between Sierra Leone and Guinea, such as Sanya and Mongo. Major Sesay explained that his research aimed to assist Ms. Suwu, who was undertaking a Junior Command Staff Course on the possession of small arms.
While conducting research on weapon smuggling, Major Sesay sought medical attention for a skin rash at a hospital in Madina Oula, Guinea. There, he encountered a Guinean soldier with a pistol. Upon inquiry, the soldier confirmed that weapons were available for sale in Guinea. Major Sesay claimed this was part of his investigation into the smuggling of small arms across borders.
Following his arrest, Major Sesay alleged that he was subjected to three days of solitary confinement and torture by RSLAF personnel, who sought a confession. He also accused senior RSLAF and Sierra Leone Police officers of coercing him to serve as a prosecution witness in exchange for his release and other benefits, which he refused.
Major Sesay further alleged that investigators fabricated a Voluntary Caution Statement in his presence, based on notes written by a senior officer.
Regarding his involvement with the “Calamera” WhatsApp group, the accused testified that his number was added without his consent. Although he initially removed himself, he was re-added and later received threatening calls from a foreign number warning him against leaving the group. While he admitted to facilitating the addition of Ms. Suwu’s number to the group, he claimed it was solely for monitoring purposes.
Major Sesay also revealed that his phone was hacked and reported the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), where he was advised not to pay a blackmailer threatening cyberbullying against him.
Addressing his alleged escape from custody, Major Sesay narrated that on November 26, 2024, he heard gunshots before being taken from his cell by assailants. He said the attackers were intercepted by government forces near Orogu Bridge, prompting him to flee to Guinea and later to Senegal. Learning that Ms. Suwu had also fled to Guinea and was unwell, he returned to assist her.
The accused claimed they both applied for asylum through the UN Refugee Agency in Guinea. While awaiting approval, Guinean security forces arrested them, leading to their repatriation to Sierra Leone.
Major Sesay alleged that upon his return, he was placed in solitary confinement at Benghazi, the Military Police headquarters, for three months. He also criticized investigators for failing to confirm key details of his claims, such as his hospitalization in Guinea or his interactions with Guinean military personnel.
Major Sesay is one of five accused persons facing eight charges related to the July 2023 subversion.