In a significant development, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education held a press conference yesterday, revealing that a total of 80 individuals have been apprehended in connection with an alleged coup attempt.
Among the arrested are 50 serving military officers, 5 dismissed military officers, 7 serving police officers, 1 senior retired police officer, 15 civilians, 1 correction service officer, and Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.
Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu disclosed that statements from 68 suspects have already been collected and forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for further legal proceedings. Notably, 12 individuals are still undergoing questioning and interrogation.
Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, implicated as a suspect in the ongoing investigation, has, in consultation with his legal team and party executives, agreed to be confined to his residence.
He is subject to restrictions on visitors, with limited access only to family members and lawyers. Furthermore, any movement in and out of his residence must be sanctioned by the Inspector General of Police.
Information and Civic Education Minister Chernor Bah also provided updates on weapons recovery, indicating that 47 AK47s were stolen, with 29 subsequently recovered, leaving 18 still outstanding. Additionally, 7 RPGs were reported stolen, 5 recovered, and 2 remain unaccounted for, along with 100 missing empty magazines.
Expressing gratitude to citizens for their cooperation, both Minister Chernor Bah and IGP William Fayia Sellu urged the public to remain vigilant and assist the police in capturing fugitives still at large.
A reward of Nle50,000 has been announced for anyone providing crucial information leading to the apprehension of these individuals.
The interrogation of the former President is set to continue until a conclusion is reached in the ongoing investigation into the alleged failed coup.
