Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a pivotal moment of the ongoing treason trial, lead defense attorney Sigismund A. Conteh has called for the acquittal and discharge of his client, Amadu Koita.
Conteh argued before Justice Komba Kamanda that the state prosecutors have failed to meet the required threshold to substantiate charges of treason, misprision of treason, murder, and related offenses against Koita.
Conteh’s argument, presented in an oral ‘no case’ submission, contended that the prosecution’s evidence fell short in proving Koita’s involvement in the alleged failed coup on November 26, 2023.
He specifically highlighted the testimony of Major General Alpha and Lieutenant Colonel Sandi. Sandi’s testimony only placed Koita in a vehicle at Cockeril Headquarters on the day in question without establishing his intent or purpose.
Further dissecting the prosecution’s case, Conteh pointed to Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma’s testimony, which he claimed aligned with Koita’s caution statement at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). According to Koroma, Koita was captured and arrested while he was at Murray Town, reinforcing Koita’s narrative.
Conteh also scrutinized the testimony of Inspector Mohamed Jusu, a CID cyber analyst, who presented a phone allegedly belonging to Koita.
Conteh argued that Jusu’s testimony failed to clarify whether the photos found on the phone were sent by Koita. Additionally, Conteh emphasized that Koita, in his police statement, said he was seeking traditional help at Pa Sesay’s place, a claim that Jusu’s testimony did not contradict.
In his closing remarks, Conteh referenced CCTV footage from Pademba Road Correctional Center, which purportedly showed Koita under the control of assailants at the time of his arrest.
He maintained that no direct evidence linked Koita to the murders on November 26, 2023, noting that no weapons were found on him.
In response, principal state prosecutor Ahmed J. M. Bockarie argued that the prosecution’s evidence was robust and unchallenged.
He cited testimonies from numerous prosecution witnesses, asserting that their evidence demonstrated a systematic attack on government facilities, including Cockerill, Wilberforce, and Murray Town. Bockarie insisted that the prosecution had proven Koita’s involvement in the coup plot and urged the court to reject Conteh’s call for acquittal.
After hearing both sides, Justice Kamanda adjourned the matter to Wednesday, June 26, 2024, for a ruling on the oral ‘no case’ submission.
In the meantime, the accused will remain in custody at the Male and Female Correctional Centers in Freetown.
