Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 12, 2025 – A military court in Sierra Leone has sentenced six military personnel to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in subversive activities aimed at overthrowing President Julius Maada Bio following his re-election on June 24, 2023.
The verdicts were delivered today during the 26th sitting of the Court Martial.
Two Attempts to Unseat the President
Authorities revealed that there were two major coup attempts in 2023. The first, foiled on July 29, 2023, involved a group of military personnel and civilians conspiring to overthrow the government. The second, on November 26, 2023, turned violent, with 18 security personnel and two civilians brutally killed by the attackers.
Following the failed coup attempts, several suspects were arrested, while others fled. However, in May 2024, Corporal Mohamed Koroma was captured in Tonkolili District, and by June 2024, five other military officers were arrested and extradited from Guinea.
Court Martial and Sentencing
The six accused were formally charged on October 17, 2024, with eight counts, including mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, and desertion. They all pleaded not guilty, but after months of proceedings, the court found them guilty and imposed the following sentences:
1. Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay – 75 years
2. Major Juana Kabbah – 60 years
3. Major Foday Sumana Kamara – 60 years
4. Major Ibrahim Abu Bakarr Bangura – 50 years
5. Lieutenant Zainab Amara Suwu – 50 years
6. Corporal Mohamed Koroma – 75 years
The Trial
The prosecution team, led by JAK Sesay and PA Williams, presented 16 witnesses and 47 exhibits to support the charges. The defense, comprising seven lawyers, argued against the allegations, with all six accused testifying in their defense.
The court martial panel was presided over by Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba, with a military board led by Colonel SMO George and five other senior officers.
Next Steps
As the military court continues to address the fallout from the coup attempts, another major trial is set for February 13, 2025. This case, The State vs. Major Bai Sesay and Six Others, involves additional suspects linked to the bloody November coup. The court will hear further summations of evidence before rendering a verdict.
This case marks a significant moment in Sierra Leone’s efforts to uphold constitutional order and prevent future threats to national stability.
