In a high-profile court case, Alimatu Hassan Bangura has staunchly denied allegations that she harbored prime treason suspect Amadu Koita in her apartment until his arrest.
Bangura, a former Sergeant in the Sierra Leone Police, has served since March 2011 until her recent detainment.
As the fifth accused in the trial, Bangura was led in her defense by attorney Lamin Kamara. She stated, “I did not harbor or keep Koita in my house,” emphasizing her ignorance of Koita’s involvement in treason.
Bangura revealed that she had known Koita since 2019, introduced by a university colleague while he was in police custody.
They communicated via WhatsApp until 2021. She denied using the alleged phone number presented by the police, asserting that the numbers she used to communicate with Koita were saved on her phone.
During the trial, Bangura referred to exhibit GGGGG 1-10, which showed her call log, confirming she last communicated with Koita in 2021. She testified that she had not used WhatsApp to contact him since then.
Bangura recounted the events of December 4, 2023, stating she was at home with her children when an unidentified man entered her apartment.
“The place was dark, but I was able to see an unknown person holding my son,” she said. The man warned her not to shout or approach him. Moments later, soldiers and police officers stormed her apartment, and she recognized Inspector Joshua among them. She was told they were searching for Koita, whom she knew was on a wanted list for treason.
In her defense, Bangura offered her handcuffs to the officers to arrest Koita. She claimed Koita had never visited her apartment before his arrest, although she had pointed out her house to him in 2020.
Bangura disclosed that her phone was hacked on November 28, 2023, and she received suspicious messages from a person claiming to be Marion from England. She did not report this to the authorities but informed close acquaintances.
She revealed that upon her arrival at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), she was mistreated, insulted, and tortured by various police and military officers.
“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Faya Sellu insulted and kicked me in the stomach, and I bled,” Bangura stated.
During cross-examination by state prosecutor Ahmed Bockarie, Bangura confirmed hearing the voice of Inspector Grant outside her apartment. She also mentioned that she usually called Marion, not texted her, and had no property or monetary dealings with Marion.
Bangura admitted to having a love relationship with Koita, confirmed in her statement at the CID.
She also acknowledged knowing that Bai Mahmoud was under investigation and that Koita was on a wanted list. She communicated this information to her colleague, Tolonby, as Bai Mahmoud’s arrest was public.
Bangura reiterated that she did not communicate with Koita during the critical period and that Marion was not in her apartment, as Marion resided in London.
