By: Audrey Raymonda John
The high-profile treason case involving Joseph Dumbuya and Ahmed Turay was once again adjourned on Monday, 26th May 2025, due to the absence of defense counsel.
The matter came up before Magistrate Patrick Fofanah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown.
Joseph Dumbuya, 50, and Ahmed Turay, 59, are facing grave charges of conspiring with unknown individuals to unlawfully overthrow the government of Sierra Leone. They have been arraigned on two counts: treason, contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offences Act of 1963, and murder, contrary to Section 1 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.
According to the indictment, between 11th and 26th November 2023, the accused allegedly conspired to seize control of the government through unlawful means. They are further accused of forcefully taking over several key state institutions, including the 5th Battalion at Wilberforce Barracks, the Joint Force Command Headquarters at Cockerill, the 3rd Infantry Brigade at Murray Town, the Sierra Leone Correctional Centre, and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) at New England Ville.
The indictment also alleges that on 26th November 2023, the accused attempted to violently overthrow the government by breaking into the male and female correctional centers, unlawfully releasing inmates, and launching attacks on the facilities. During the course of these events, they are alleged to have murdered Correctional Officer Obi Isaac Johnson.
During proceedings, Prosecutor Isaac Yusuf Sesay requested an adjournment, citing the absence of defense counsel Chernor Kamara. He further informed the court that he had received instructions from the Attorney General’s office to ensure the matter is tried expeditiously.
Bail was denied to the accused, and the case was adjourned to Thursday, 29th May 2025, for further proceedings.