On July 24, 2024, Sergeant Rashid Koroma testified in his defense before Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba and the Board Members, denying involvement in the failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023.
Represented by Lawyer I. Bangura from the Legal Aid Board, Koroma refuted the allegations against him, stating that he had no knowledge of the coup plot. He mentioned that he has served in the military for 19 years and is currently deployed at Benguema Barracks.
Koroma recounted that on the weekend of the alleged coup, he was on leave, enjoying a day at Aberdeen Beach after completing a “Platoon Sergeant Battle Course.”
He claimed that he was unaware of any coup plans or attacks on Freetown. He stated that while he was at the beach, a woman informed the patrons about gunfire in the city. Koroma attempted to contact his barracks for information, but his phone was dead.
He described how he and others at the beach tried to leave but found it difficult to find transportation. Eventually, a vehicle gave him a lift, but they were stopped at Murray Town, where they were informed about ongoing gunfire. The driver decided to turn back, and Koroma, recognizing the danger, headed towards the Murray Town Barracks to clarify his situation.
At the barracks, Koroma encountered other soldiers and explained his situation, showing his leave pass.
He mentioned that he met with Mohamed Woodie, who was also on trial for treason. Koroma and Woodie were approached by soldiers responding to a complaint about Koroma’s presence in the area. After explaining his situation and showing his pass, he was allowed to stay at Woodie’s residence.
Koroma stated that while resting at Woodie’s house, they were arrested. He was taken to Ordinance, where soldiers reportedly beat Woodie and threatened him before their superior intervened. Koroma was then handcuffed and transported to Cockerill Headquarters and later to Benghazi, the OSD Headquarters. He recounted that he was taken to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters the next day, where he made a statement to the Joint Investigation Team, noting that not everything he said was recorded.
Koroma’s testimony was followed by cross-examination by the State’s Counsel, Joseph Sesay. The case continues as the court examines the evidence presented.
