Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 has committed the treason case against Alie Badara Kanu and Thaimu Bangura to the High Court in Freetown.
The two men are accused of plotting to overthrow the government through unlawful means.
In his ruling before the committal, Magistrate Bangura explained that Kanu and Bangura were charged with two counts: treason and misprision of treason.
He noted that the case began as a Preliminary Investigation (PI), during which the prosecution presented three witnesses and produced evidence supporting the allegations. The witnesses were cross-examined by defense counsel representing the accused
Magistrate Bangura stated that, based on the totality of the evidence presented, the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Kanu and Bangura, warranting their trial in the High Court.
During the proceedings, Kanu claimed that he was unconscious at the time of his arrest and during the recording of his statements. He contended that some of the evidence attributed to him was not his, as he was unaware of the contents due to his condition.
He further indicated his intention to amend his statement during the High Court trial.
When given the opportunity to speak, Bangura, the second accused, expressed surprise that a particular individual had filed a complaint against him, noting that the person had not testified in court. However, he confirmed that he did not wish to alter the statement he made to the police.
Both Kanu and Bangura informed the court of their intention to present evidence and call witnesses during their trial at the High Court.
The charges against Kanu and Bangura relate to their alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone. The indictment states that between June 24, 2023, and June 29, 2024, the accused conspired to unlawfully overthrow the government. It further alleges that Kanu operated a WhatsApp group in which he communicated with other unidentified individuals regarding the plot.
Additionally, Bangura and others are accused of creating a WhatsApp group called “Movement to the Restoration of Democracy,” aimed at recruiting members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police, and ex-military officers to support their unlawful scheme.
The prosecution claims the group held meetings at Camp Junction, Waterloo, and Four Mile, where they discussed plans to acquire weapons and stage a violent protest as part of their plot.
The indictment also accuses the pair of concealing knowledge of the conspiracy, which involved other individuals, including Captain Senessie, Captain John Conteh, and others.
The case will proceed to the High Court for trial.
