In a decisive ruling at the Law Courts Building on Siaka Stevens Street, Captain (Navy) Lawrence Jabati, the President of the Court Martial, delivered a “Guilty” verdict for 24 of the accused individuals, while one person was acquitted.
Captain Jabati, in his capacity as Court Martial President, announced that the board members were unanimous in their decision, finding the 24 accused guilty on all charges.
Among those convicted is Lieutenant Colonel Charles Yamba, the highest-ranking officer on trial, who was found guilty on all six charges against him.
Conversely, Warrant Officer Class 1 Sitta Dumbuya, the 19th accused, was acquitted of all six charges. Following this, Judge Advocate Mark Nagegba ordered Dumbuya’s immediate release, allowing him to leave the courtroom a free man.
Sentencing for the convicted individuals will be announced after the defense lawyers present their plea in mitigation.
The high-profile trial, which spanned several months, involved 27 defendants accused of plotting to overthrow the Sierra Leonean government on 26 November 2023.
The charges against the group were severe, with 88 counts brought forward, including mutiny and murder, which underscored the gravity of their actions under the Sierra Leone Armed Forces Act. These charges were officially filed on January 8, 2024.
The prosecution, led by State Prosecutor Joseph Sesay, presented a robust case supported by testimonies from 37 witnesses and over 180 pieces of evidence.
Among the defendants, Sergeant Alhaji Koroma pleaded guilty to certain charges, implicating his co-accused and further bolstering the prosecution’s case.
Meanwhile, the trial of another accused, Lance Corporal Abu Bakarr Koroma, also known as “Opanday,” has been 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.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Koroma experienced an epileptic and psychotic episode in court, led the judge and prosecution to suspend his trial indefinitely.
