By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Clarifying the controversial news surrounding the current status of the former head of state Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, the Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu has on Tuesday 12th December at the Government press briefing clarified that former President, Koroma was a suspect of the failed attempted coup and still responding to his investigations, aiding the police in their work.
“For the statistics we now have 80 suspects in our custody. We as Police we described it as suspect for as long as we have questioned you and administered ‘questionary’ statement to you. At that stage you are not obliged to say anything as whatever you say would be taken down and use against you as evidence in the court of law,” I.G of Police clarified.
It could be recalled that in the last few days the atmosphere was filled with controversial news regarding the current status of the former head of state whether he was on a house arrest or comfortably living within the confines of his residence with free movement.
In direct response to that the Inspector General of Police Fayia confirmed that although Koroma was a suspect, but was not put in cell in respect of his status as a former state man. He confirmed that he was allowed to comfortably returned to his house in Freetown but with some number of restrictions as he was still responding to the investigation process.
The I.G of police strongly assured the safety of the former President as he made mentioned of maximum security being provided to him. As the former President had been duly cooperating with the investigations at the Criminal Investigation Department, I.G revealed that the investigation would continue with due process until they call it off.
Giving details on the categories of the present number of arrests made so far regarding the failed attempted coup, I.G Sellu revealed that they had arrested 50 current serving military officers, 5 dismissed military officers, 7 Sierra Leone Police personnel, 1 Rtd Sierra Leone Police Officer, 15 civilians, 1 correctional service and the former President.
From the total 80 suspects he confirmed that they had taken statements from 68 suspects and those statements were under scrutiny to ascertain whether they would have anything to do the with the failed attempted coup or not. He said 12 were still in their custody awaiting investigations.
The Inspector General of Police commended the People of Sierra Leone for their cooperation with the police force in helping to arrest the victims and appealed for their continued support to help arrest the other suspects.
