By: Audrey Raymonda John
Former military officer Sallieu Jalloh, aged 52, made his second court appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, where he is standing trial on treason charges.
Jalloh is charged with two counts: Treason contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offences Act No. 10 of 1963. Misprision of treason, meaning he allegedly knew of a treasonous act and failed to report it.
According to the charge sheet, between January 1, 2024, and March 13, 2025, Jalloh allegedly conspired with others, including Captain Aiah Aba Senessie, Sergeant Bangura of Waterloo, Retired Sergeant Kamara, and persons unknown, to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
The prosecution claims Jalloh sought to purchase AK-47 rifles, which were to be used in the alleged coup attempt. It is alleged that he contacted security personnel, including Retired Sergeant Kamara and facilitated communication between Kamara and Captain Senessie by forwarding a contact number to arrange the arms purchase.
Further, it is alleged that on March 8, 2024, Jalloh instructed Sandy Sesay and his men to be on standby for an imminent “power transition.” Additionally, between November 26, 2023, and November 26, 2024, Jalloh is accused of concealing knowledge* of the treasonous plot.
During the court proceedings, no plea was taken as the charges were read and explained to the accused.
State Prosecutor Yusif Isaac Sesay (Esq.) led the first prosecution witness, DPC 1818 Hassan Sillas Combay, an officer attached to the Operations Office at CID Headquarters. He testified that on May 12, he and Sergeant 8904 Solomon Amadu interviewed and charged the accused. The caution statement was given in Krio, recorded in English, and then read back and explained to the accused, who confirmed its accuracy by affixing his right thumbprint. The caution statement was tendered in court and marked as Exhibit A1–2.
The accused cross-examined the witness personally.
Bail was denied by Magistrate Jah, who ordered Jalloh to be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The case was adjourned to June 5, 2025, for further proceedings.