Freetown, October 17, 2024 – The highly anticipated second court martial of the ongoing legal proceedings involving several high-ranking officers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) began at the Wilkinson Road Cockerill Barracks, Freetown.
Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay, Major Juana Kabbah, Major Foday Sumana Kamara, Major Ibrahim Abu Bakarr Bangura, Lieutenant Zainab Amara Suwu, and Corporal Mohamed Koroma faced charges related to the alleged June/July 2023 subversion and the failed coup attempt of November 26, 2023.
Appearing before Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba, all six accused pleaded not guilty to charges of mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, and desertion. The defense argued that the accused had been dismissed from the RSLAF and should therefore be tried in a civil court, not a military one.
RSLAF lead prosecutor, JAK Sesay, refuted the defense’s claims, arguing that no legal precedent was presented to prevent the court martial from proceeding. Sesay cited the RSLAF Act of 1961, particularly Section 192, which outlines that military personnel, including reservists, are subject to military law.
He further referenced Sections 116 and 117 of the Act, asserting that individuals subject to military law may still be tried by a court martial even after their dismissal from the armed forces.
Judge Advocate Ngegba upheld the prosecution’s arguments, ruling that the court martial had jurisdiction to try the accused. He dismissed the defense’s objection, allowing the trial to continue.
In a related case, the second set of court martial pre-trial proceedings involved seven other military personnel: Major Bai Sesay, Staff Sergeant Joseph Conteh, Sergeant Alimamy Alhaji Conteh, Corporal Alpha Wurie Conteh, Lance Corporal Ibrahim Kuyateh, Lance Corporal Lahai Kemoh, and Sergeant Baimba Bangura. All seven pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit mutiny, mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, communication with the enemy, conduct prejudicial to military discipline, and desertion.
The proceedings were adjourned until Monday, October 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with both trials expected to continue into the coming weeks.
