By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a landmark ruling at the High Court of Sierra Leone on Monday March 24, 2025, Honorable Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens has sentenced two accused individuals, Alie Badara Kanu (alias Captain Makeni) and Thaimu Bangura, to 120 years each for treason and misprision of treason.
The 12-member jury unanimously returned a guilty verdict on both counts. Following the verdict, the court handed down consecutive sentences of 90 years for treason and 30 years for misprision of treason, totaling 120 years imprisonment for each accused.
During mitigation, defense counsel pleaded for leniency, highlighting that the first accused had served in the military diligently and had dependent children. It was also noted that he had been in detention for over a year. The second accused, a father of 17 children, had served in the army for 16 years. The defense urged the court to exercise mercy.
Despite the plea, Justice Stevens ruled that the severity of the crimes warranted the full weight of the law. The sentencing breakdown is as follows:
โข Alie Badara Kanu (Alias Captain Makeni)
โข Count 1 (Treason): 90 years imprisonment
โข Count 2 (Misprision of Treason): 30 years imprisonment
โข Total Sentence: 120 years (consecutive)
โข Thaimu Bangura
โข Count 1 (Treason): 90 years imprisonment
โข Count 2 (Misprision of Treason): 30 years imprisonment
โข Total Sentence: 120 years (consecutive)
The case, tried under the Treason and State Offenses Act of 1963, accused Kanu and Bangura of planning to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone between June 24, 2023, and June 29, 2024. The prosecution presented evidence that the accused operated WhatsApp groupsโโMovement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD)โโto recruit military and police personnel and acquire arms for the alleged coup attempt.
The state also alleged that the accused held meetings at Camp Junction, Waterloo, and Newton to strategize their plans and devised coded communication, referring to weapons as โslings.โ
Furthermore, between January and April 2024, both men were accused of misprision of treason, having knowledge of a conspiracy involving other military officers, yet failing to report it.
The case underscores the governmentโs firm stance against acts of subversion. The sentencing sends a strong message that any attempts to undermine national security will be met with severe consequences.
This ruling marks one of the most significant treason trials in recent Sierra Leonean history, reinforcing the judiciaryโs role in upholding the rule of law and preserving democratic governance.
