In a landmark decision, a twelve-member jury has found all eleven accused individuals guilty on all charges in the treason trial of Amadu Koita Makalo and his co-defendants.
The trial, presided over by Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda, resulted in significant prison sentences for the convicted.
Justice Kamanda, addressing the jury before they deliberated, emphasized their “sacred duty” to ensure justice is delivered with integrity, fairness, and independence.
He reiterated the importance of their role in upholding the judicial system.
The convicts and their sentences are as follows:
– Amadu Koita Makalo (1st Convict): 52 years each for counts 1 and 2 (to run concurrently), 40 years each for counts 3, 4, 5, and 6, 60 years each for counts 17, 18, and 19. Total: 162 years.
– Mohamed Jalloh (2nd Convict): 52 years each for counts 1 and 2 (to run concurrently), 70 years each for counts 3, 4, 5, and 6, 60 years each for counts 17, 18, and 19, 4 years for count 20.
– SGT. 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara (3rd Convict): 52 years each for counts 1 and 2 (to run concurrently), 40 years for count 7.
– Ramatu Kamanda Conteh (4th Convict): 30 years for count 10.
– Halimatu Hassah Bangura (5th Convict): 60 years for count 8, 5 years for count 9.
– Hassan Lee (6th Convict): 35 years for count 11, 4 years for count 12.
– Mohamed Wudie (7th Convict): 52 years each for counts 1 and 2 (to run concurrently).
– ASP Ibrahim Sesay (9th Convict): 40 years for count 15, 4 years for count 16.
– Tamba Yamba (10th Convict): 52 years each for counts 1 and 2 (to run concurrently), 60 years for count 19.
– Kabba Kamara (11th Convict): 52 years each for counts 1 and 2 (to run concurrently), 60 years for count 19.
– Abdul Sorie Hassan Kamara (12th Convict): 52 years each for counts 1 and 2 (to run concurrently), 60 years for count 19.
The trial of the 8th accused, Bai Mahmoud Bangura, was separated and will proceed independently on specific charges.
During the sentencing, pleas for leniency were made by the 4th, 6th, and 9th convicts, highlighting personal circumstances such as family responsibilities. However, State Counsel A. J. M. Bockarie argued that the severity of the sentences should act as a deterrent to future coup attempts and actions undermining the government.
Justice Kamanda underscored the need for the sentences to serve as a clear warning against attempts to overthrow the government, affirming the judiciary’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and constitutional order in Sierra Leone.
