Lance Corporal Abu Bakarr Koroma, also known as “Opanday,” has had his trial suspended due to medical concerns, including epilepsy and other mental health issues.
Koroma, a member of the 4th Battalion in Makeni, was the 18th soldier facing charges in connection with the ongoing mutiny case. While his trial has been paused, the proceedings for the remaining 25 accused soldiers continue.
Koroma faced multiple charges, including mutiny, conspiracy to mutiny, failing to suppress mutiny (two counts), and conduct prejudicing military discipline.
During closing arguments, his defense lawyer, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura Esq., acknowledged Koroma’s presence with other coup plotters at a Makeni herbalist’s residence for alleged magical fortification against bullets. However, he argued that Koroma’s mental health issues, as detailed in his army medical report, rendered him incapable of sound reasoning necessary for involvement in such a plot to overthrow the President and the Government.
Yesterday’s ncident, where Koroma experienced an epileptic and psychotic episode in court, led the judge and prosecution to suspend his trial indefinitely.
The trials of the other 25 soldiers implicated in the case continue as scheduled.
On Wednesday, thr defense lawyers for the 26 accused individuals presented their closing arguments, asserting that the prosecution had failed to prove its case.
The defense team concluded by questioning the prosecution’s overall case, urging the court to acquit their clients due to insufficient evidence.
The trial, which has seen 25 military personnel standing before the court, is related to their involvement in the violent coup attempt on November 26. Initially, 27 military members were charged with 88 counts, including mutiny, conspiracy to commit mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, murder, aiding the enemy, and various other military offenses.
