In a significant development, five senior former military officers from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) have been arrested in Guinea, linked to the subversion attempt in Sierra Leone on November 26, 2023.
Commissioner Joseph Abraham Lahai, Director of Crime Services at the Sierra Leone Police, confirmed the arrests.**
The detained officers include Major F.S. Kamara, Major Patrick Sesay, Major A.I. Bangura, Lieutenant Colonel Zainab A. Sulu, and Major Juana Kabba.
Commissioner Lahai made the announcement at a press briefing held at the Sierra Leone Police Headquarters on George Street, Freetown, on Monday, July 8, 2024.
The roots of the incident stretch back to July of the previous year, when these military personnel were implicated in a plot to overthrow President Bio. They were initially detained for investigation.
“On November 26, 2023, Freetown was disrupted by gunfire as armed individuals attempted to breach an armory at Wilberforce Barracks, leading to the theft of weapons,” Lahai detailed. “In addition, attackers opened two main prisons, resulting in the escape of inmates and the deaths of at least 19 individuals, including 13 soldiers.”
Following these violent events, the Sierra Leone Police identified multiple suspects, including military personnel, linked to the subversive actions. “These suspects fled to neighboring countries seeking refuge but were intercepted by our intelligence operatives,” Lahai stated. “They have now been arrested in Guinea and will be extradited to Sierra Leone to face prosecution.”
Lahai also emphasized the broader implications of such crimes. “Rising crime rates deter investment and undermine stability in societies like Sierra Leone,” he remarked.