Freetown, Sierra Leone — Authorities have uncovered a web of espionage and covert planning behind the bloody coup attempt on November 26, with Sergeant Henry Janneh, one of the fugitives in the case, allegedly playing a central role.
Court documents from the recent court-martial trial involving Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma and 26 others reveal audio evidence and testimonies that highlight Janneh’s involvement in the attempted overthrow.
In a series of audio messages submitted as evidence, Janneh reportedly detailed military deployments around the Cockerill Barracks and the President’s Lodge, providing intelligence on troop strength and strategies to Corporal Edward Koroma, alias Smallie, who is now serving a prison sentence.
In one message, Janneh warned Corporal Koroma of two fighting platoons stationed at Cockerill Barracks. “Let me tell you this,” Janneh stressed. “I don’t want you to compromise any issue at Cockerill Barracks. Two formidable platoons have been deployed there. I went to the location, and nobody detected me.”
The intelligence extended to the President’s Lodge, where Janneh outlined the presence of two platoons from the Quick Reaction Force (QRF).
“I have sketched and printed out the map of the Lodge,” Janneh reportedly said, stating that he planned to pass it to coup planners upon their arrival. He noted the soldiers’ Special Force skills and warned his co-conspirators to avoid “child’s play” in the operation.
The trial further revealed that Janneh infiltrated the Joint Logistics Unit (JLU) at Murray Town Barracks alongside Staff Sergeant Koroma and others on the night preceding the coup attempt.
According to Koroma’s voluntary caution statement, their objective was to seize weapons from the JLU armory and advance to the President’s Lodge to confront the Joint Presidential Guard Force (JPGF). The plan unraveled, however, when loyal soldiers attempted to break into the room where Koroma, the deceased Idrissa Ahmid Kamara (alias Leather Boot), and Corporal Alie Kamara were locked.
Amidst the chaos, Leather Boot reportedly opened fire in an escape attempt, only to be critically injured. Staff Sergeant Koroma recalled escaping the scene with a rifle, hiding until his arrest on November 28.
Further evidence presented in court includes testimonies linking the conspirators to a visit to a Mapaki Village herbalist, Pa Sesay, where they sought fortification against gunfire in preparation for the coup. Sergeant Janneh was identified among those involved in these rituals, adding another layer to the evidence against him.
The prosecution has confirmed it will continue presenting evidence, including audio and video recordings implicating Corporal Edward Koroma, who allegedly encouraged others to eliminate soldiers loyal to President Bio.
This story is part of an ongoing investigation and trial coverage, aiming to shed light on the individuals and motives behind the November coup attempt.
