27 Military Officers are to be arraigned today, Wednesday 10th January 2024 before a Court Martial presided over by the Judge Advocate, Marke Ngegba and seven Court Members who are Military Officers.
The accused persons are before the court to answer to 88 count charges including Mutiny, Aiding the Enemy, Failure to Supress a Mutiny, Committing a Civilian Offence and Stealing of Public or Service Property among others in respect of their alleged involvement in the failed Coup attempt of November 26, 2023.
In preparation ahead of the trial, a pre-trial hearing was conducted on Monday, and directions given to both the Prosecution and the Defence.
The State is represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Osman Kanu and a battery of Lawyers from the Law Officers’ Department and the Military while all accused persons were also represented by their respective lawyers.
Representing the 17th accused, Lawyer Julian Cole raised an objection pursuant to Section 89 of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone Act 1961 as amended which he argued “provides for the accused persons be granted the opportunity to object against any member of the court before the oath is administered to them.”
He emphasized that the defence is interested in the “wellbeing of the proceedings” which calls for “due process” to be followed.
Representing the 9th accused person and over 15 other accused persons, Lawyer I. Bangura informed the court that the 9th accused person is suffering from epilepsy.
In replying, Lawyer Joseph A. K. Sesay for the State objected to the point raised by the defence for the 9th accused, and urged the court to discountenance the application of Lawyer Bangura.
The Judge Advocate, Mark Ngegba dismissed the said objection in the absence of any medical evidence/report before the court in respect of the medical condition of the 9th accused.
He used the occasion to caution members of the press, social media bloggers and lawyers to be mindful of the sacredness of the court and the proceedings, stressing that he would not hesitate to take action against anyone who goes against the laws that cover court proceedings.
Source: Judiciary of Sierra Leone
