At a press conference held at the Sierra Leone Police Headquarters in George Street, Freetown, the SierraLeone Police have updated the press about a series of arrests of former and active police and Military officers who are accused of plotting a coup during the Ramadan holiday and independence day on April 27.
The Public Relations officer of the SierraLeone Police, Brima Kamara, otherwise known as Media 1 stated that between 16th and 18th April, the police arrested several officers from both the Military and the Police force for insubordination and planning to disrupt the peace and tranquility of the state.
The plan of the suspects arrested, was to bring instability into the country, thus disrupting the country’s peace, Brima Kamara added.
According to the authorities, the suspects were arrested in various locations across Western Area, as some of them were previously wanted for their involvement in the November 26,2023 unrest.
Meanwhile, captain john Conteh, a fugitive wanted for his involvement in the failed November 26 coup attempt, was shot dead by police on Wednesday after attempting to escape from custody. This press learnt that Conteh was apprehended at his mother’s residence in Mayeinkineh, Calaba Town, on Wednesday morning. Authorities say that Conteh was transported to the Jui detention center when he attempted to overpower an officer. According to police statements, Conteh’s handcuffs were loosened due to the need to cross a river during transport. He allegedly struck an officer, jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot, but the police pursued him and opened fire, fatally wounding him. Conteh was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. His mother was also arrested for harboring a fugitive.
