Freetown—In the latest developments from the ongoing court martial proceedings, a second video has surfaced, showing what prosecutors allege to be another step in a series of ritualistic practices aimed at overthrowing President Julius Maada Bio.
This newly released footage reportedly captures three key figures involved in a failed coup attempt holding a ritual prayer session led by a chief ritualist.
Rituals to Seal the Coup Plot
The video, the second of its kind, follows the initial footage released in earlier court sessions. That first video, presented during Episode 14 of the trial, depicted a sacrificial ceremony involving a black cow with white spots, allegedly a ritual meant to set the stage for the planned November 26 coup. The key individuals in both videos have been identified as Amadu Koita Makalo, currently serving a sentence from a high-profile court case; Idrissa Ahmid Kamara, known as “Leather Boot,” who has since passed away; and Kabbah Dumbuya, who remains at large.
Prosecution Details Ritual Origins
According to prosecution reports, the rituals recorded in both videos are believed to have been conducted outside of Sierra Leone, somewhere within the West African sub-region. Language analysis by prosecutors indicates that the chants recited during the rituals do not match any of Sierra Leone’s native languages, adding weight to the claim that the ceremonies were performed abroad.
The prosecution acknowledged they did not call witnesses to clarify certain details in the footage, focusing instead on providing the videos as evidence of what they describe as “desperate efforts” by the coup planners.
Court Martial Trials Continue
Meanwhile, the court martial case against Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay, alias PAO, and five others resumes today, October 28, 2024. Another related case involving Major Bai Sesay and seven others is set for Tuesday, October 29.
Source: Major Yayah Brima, Media Operations Officer, Joint Force Command Headquarters, Cockerill Barracks, Freetown.