Freetown—New revelations from the recently concluded Court Martial trial have exposed a covert plot by the Kalamera Security Network for APC, a rebel group formed between June 24 and July 29, 2023, with the alleged aim of overthrowing President Julius Maada Bio.
According to prosecution lawyers, the group consisted of active and former security personnel alongside civilians, operating with branches in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The Sierra Leone branch was reportedly led by Corporal Mohamed Koroma, who was convicted on multiple charges, including mutiny and desertion, and sentenced to 75 years in prison. Meanwhile, the Liberia branch was headed by Abdul Maliki Kamara, while the group’s global leader, Pa Sheka Idrissa Dumbuya, managed operations from abroad before being detained in Sierra Leone.
Authorities revealed that the group used secret WhatsApp forums—Leadership Forum and General Membership Forum—to strategize and mobilize support. Prosecutors presented damning audio recordings from these forums, exposing discussions on undermining key military officers loyal to President Bio.
In one of the recordings, fugitive Captain Semion Idrissa Kargbo, alias Itako, proposed a scheme to spread false allegations against six high-ranking military officers, accusing them of plotting a coup due to dissatisfaction with the 2023 election results.
The officers targeted included:
– Lt. Gen. Peter Kakowou Lavahun (former Chief of Defence Staff)
– Maj. Gen. Fred Dauda Alpha (former Commander Joint Force)
– Maj. Gen. Amara Idara Bangura (Chief of Defence Staff)
– Brig. Gen. Albert Sylvester Bockarie (Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Operations and Plans)
– Brig. Gen. Kemoh Tewoh Sesay (Chief of Army Staff)
– Col. Mohamed Moriba Kposowa (Acting Brigade Commander, 3 Infantry Brigade)
Captain Itako assured his co-conspirators that once these accusations gained traction in the media, President Bio would be forced to dismiss the officers, thereby weakening the military’s chain of command and setting the stage for a successful takeover.
Adding to the plot, Corporal Mohamed Koroma endorsed the plan, even suggesting that Brig. Gen. Abdulai Baba Jalloh —then the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Support and Logistics—should also be targeted with damaging allegations.
Authorities have confirmed that Captain Itako, who was stationed at the Forward Patrol Base in Sierra Leone’s border village of Sania, fled after security forces dismantled the group’s activities. Meanwhile, further evidence—including more incriminating audio recordings—is expected to shed additional light on the extent of the conspiracy.
As investigations continue, security analysts warn that this case underscores the ongoing threat of subversive activities within Sierra Leone’s political and military landscape.
All these was because of bad Governance, SLPP paopa came to power with grudges and plans to eliminate the APC party and some key leaders.
We must embrace ourselves and push forward for development. A president must be a president of the nation not for a political party or a particular tribe or region. We should stop giving room to tribalism in our country.