Freetown, July 4, 2024 — Amadu Koita Makalo, the primary defendant in the trial of twelve individuals charged with a failed coup attempt in Freetown on November 26, 2023, has concluded his defense.
Koita, who testified as the first defense witness, took the stand on Monday, July 1, 2024, with his cross-examination extending through Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
During his cross-examination, Koita recounted to Principal State Prosecutor Ahmed Bockarie how he was captured by the assailants, specifically naming Captain Jalloh, Kabba, and later Captain Senessie. When questioned if this was the same Jalloh he had previously mentioned leaving in Makeni, Koita confirmed it was.
Koita explained that he knew Kabba from their military service but had lost contact after Kabba’s retirement.
Presented with a picture in which he identified himself, Koita declined further comments, arguing it was not previously shown during cross-examination.
Defense lawyer Pious Sesay objected to the introduction of a document, citing improper foundation. Bockarie countered that the document was derived from CCTV footage at Pademba Road Prison.
Koita admitted to communicating with Ameriken, a member of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) seen with the assailants, but could not recall the exact date of their last communication in 2023. He denied contacting Ameriken on or before November 26, 2023, asserting he did not possess a Sierra Leonean SIM card at the time.
Koita identified Lieutenant Colonel Aiah Abba Senessie as someone he saluted at Cockeril headquarters in Freetown.
He also acknowledged knowing several co-accused individuals, including Salifu Kamara and Mohamed Woodie, but denied any communication with Woodie or familiarity with a contact named Nyekah in his phone. He identified Ibrahim T. Bangura, nicknamed Tiger, as an acquaintance from the war.
Koita denied knowing Ramatu Conteh, a correctional service officer, and identified Salma as his ex-wife. He stated that the assailants gave him a gun between Murray Town and Campbell Street but that he managed to escape at Pademba Road Prison gate, seeking refuge in an unfinished building before being arrested at Alimatu Hassan Bangura’s place.
He denied any romantic relationship with Alimatu, whom he first met in 2019, explaining that he found her place by coincidence. Koita contested parts of his police statement, describing inaccuracies regarding his hiding and arrest at Alimatu’s house.
Koita refuted claims of being arrested in Alimatu’s kitchen cabinet and clarified that his arrest was led by Lieutenant Colonel Sannoh. He read from Alimatu’s statement that confirmed a love relationship between them but maintained his version of events.
The defense did not reexamine Koita. His second witness, Ameriken, also on trial at the court-martial, was absent due to illness.
