Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Magistrate Santigie Bangura postponed the treason trial of former President Ernest Bai Koroma until November 18, 2024.
The adjournment occurred due to the defense’s inability to present Koroma, who is currently in Nigeria for medical treatment.
Following the defense’s failure to produce Koroma, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Osman I Kanu, and defense counsel, Saidu Bangura, engaged in a private meeting with Magistrate Bangura. Subsequently, the court decided to reschedule the hearing.
Koroma faces four charges, including treason, misprision of treason, and two counts of harboring individuals implicated in the alleged plot.
The indictment accuses Koroma of planning to overthrow the Sierra Leonean government between November 5 and November 26, 2023.
Additionally, Koroma is charged with sheltering Soriba Mansaray, Yapo Sesay, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura, Sergeant 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara, and Kabba Dumbuya at his residence, supposedly in preparation for the coup attempt.
Police further allege that on November 29, 2023, in Makeni, Koroma concealed the knowledge of the coup plot.
Previously, on January 17, 2024, Justice Samuel Taylor of the High Court in Freetown granted Koroma permission to travel to Nigeria for urgent medical treatment, following a successful bail review application by his legal team. This allowance was initially for 90 days.
Koroma’s defense team is now seeking an extension of his medical leave from the High Court to continue his treatment in Nigeria.
