BY MOHAMED SAHR
The trial of the accused persons charged with multiple serious offenses, including treason and murder, allegedly linked to a coup attempt in Sierra Leone last November, continues to unveil gripping testimonies and revelations.
In a packed courtroom, the proceedings saw the Director of Public Prosecution, lawyer O I Kanu, cautioning the jury against prejudice, urging them to rely solely on the evidence presented in court rather than external influences.
The first prosecution witness, Fritzlnun Joshua Moosa, a member of the CID HQ Pademba Road, recounted a harrowing operation on December 4th, 2023. Acting on intelligence regarding the fifth accused person, Alima Hassan Bangura, Moosa described a joint military and police operation at her residence in Sumala town. Despite repeated attempts to gain entry, they eventually found her inside with another individual, identified as the first accused, Amadu Koita, hiding in a kitchen cabinet. Both were subsequently arrested and their mobile phones confiscated for further investigation.
Under cross-examination, defense lawyers scrutinized the legality of the arrest, challenging Moosa’s admission of lacking a warrant but relying on Section 13 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965. They also questioned Moosa’s familiarity with the accused prior to the operation and the circumstances surrounding Koita’s identification.
In a separate testimony, Police Superintendent Ahmed Tejan Salif detailed a raid on December 29th, 2023, targeting the second accused, Mohamed Jalloh. Following Jalloh’s lead to the premises of the eighth accused, Bai Mamoud Bangura, police discovered military attire and personal items belonging to Jalloh. Despite Bangura’s denial of knowledge, Jalloh reportedly broke down, admitting his involvement while denying being a soldier.
Defense counsel probed Salif’s account, highlighting inconsistencies and lack of signatures on key documents presented as evidence.
The trial, marked by intense cross-examinations and revelations, underscores the gravity of the charges and the complexities surrounding the investigation. As the proceedings unfold, the courtroom remains gripped by anticipation, awaiting further revelations in this high-profile case.
Stay tuned for updates as the trial progresses.
