Freetown, February 12, 2025 – A military court in Sierra Leone has handed down heavy sentences to six soldiers convicted of subversion following their involvement in a failed coup attempt. A seventh accused was acquitted and discharged.
The General Court Martial, in its 20th sitting, found all six guilty of various charges, including conspiracy to commit mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, and desertion. They received sentences ranging from 18 months to 130 years in prison and were dismissed from the armed forces.
The Convictions and Sentences
– Major Bai Sesay – Guilty on all seven counts, sentenced to 125 years.
– Staff Sergeant Joseph Conteh (Boy Pikin) – Guilty on one count, sentenced to 18 months.
– Sergeant Alimamy Alhaji Conteh (Next Man) – Guilty on six counts, sentenced to 120 years.
– Corporal Alpha Wurie Conteh – Guilty on five counts, sentenced to 125 years.
– Lance Corporal Ibrahim Kuyateh – Guilty on five counts, sentenced to 120 years.
– Lance Corporal Lahai Kemoh – Guilty on five counts, sentenced to 130 years.
Lance Corporal Kemoh had previously been dismissed in absentia after fleeing military service. His dismissal was reaffirmed in court.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Baimba Bangura (Maggie) was found not guilty of all charges and was acquitted.
A Coup That Shook the Nation
The trial stemmed from the deadly coup attempt on November 26, 2023, during which 18 security personnel and two civilians were brutally killed. This was the second attempt to overthrow President Julius Maada Bio following his re-election.
The first attempt, in July 2023, was foiled before execution. Six military personnel linked to that plot were convicted in an earlier trial and received lengthy prison terms.
This latest trial follows a previous case last year, where 27 soldiers were prosecuted. Of those, 24 were found guilty, one was acquitted, and another was discharged due to mental health issues.
The Trial
The State was represented by a team of 15 prosecution lawyers, including 10 military officers. The defense team comprised five legal representatives, and all accused testified on their behalf.
The court martial panel included:
– Judge Advocate: Mark Ngegba
– Court Martial President: Colonel SMO George
– Board Members: Lieutenant-Colonel PS Brima, Major MN Sillah, Major S Falama, Major I Samura, and Warrant Officer I Fofanah.
This trial marks another chapter in Sierra Leone’s efforts to bring stability after repeated coup attempts. More details on the prosecution and defense evidence will be analyzed in subsequent reports.
