Twelve-Man Jury Empaneled as… Treason Trial of Koita and Eleven Others Progresses
The Treason trial of Amadu Koita Makalu and eleven co-accused individuals reached a significant juncture as Justice Komba Kamanda successfully empaneled a twelve-man jury to assist in the proceedings.
In a laborious process of jury selection, the accused persons initially objected to and rejected twenty-one potential jurors before ultimately agreeing to the twelve individuals who will support Justice Kamanda during the trial.
The accused, including Amadu Koita Makolo, Mohamed Jalloh, Sergeant 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara, Ramatu Kamanda Conteh, Alimatu Hassan Bangura, Hassan Leigh, Mohamed Woodie, Bai Mamoud Bangura, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ibrahim Sesay, Tamba Yamba, Kabba Kamara, and Abdul Sorie Hassan Kamara, faced 20 charges, including Treason, Misprision of Treason, Haboring, Murder, Unauthorized wearing of military uniform, and shooting with intent to murder.
The indictments alleged that between November 5 and 26, 2023, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the accused individuals plotted to overthrow the Government by unlawful means. Specific charges include murder, unauthorized wearing of military uniforms, and concealment of treason-related activities.
Koita and Jalloh are charged with the alleged murder of Corporal Kai Mondeh of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) on November 26, 2023, at Wilberforce Military barracks in Freetown.
ASP Ibrahim Sesay and Ramatu Kamanda Conteh are accused of concealing the treason plot between November 24 and 26, 2023, in Makeni and Freetown, respectively, knowing very well that Koita, Soriba Mansaray, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura alias Tiger and Yapo Sesay had prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means. Similarly, Bai Mahmoud and Alimatu Hassan Bangura allegedly concealed the treason between November 26 and December 4, 2023.Upon hearing the charges, all twelve accused persons pleaded not guilty.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), O. I. Kanu, requested a short adjournment to prepare witnesses for the prosecution. He also asked for an interpreter for the witnesses.
The defense lawyer for the eighth accused, Bai Mahmoud, submitted a health-related application dated February 5, 2024.
Lead prosecution for the state, Ahmed Bockarie, stated that the health-related application had already been ruled on by the judge.
Defense lawyer Ady Macauley, representing the third accused, raised concerns about limited visitation time at the Correctional Centres, the correctional officers grant them minimum time and most of the time they stand with them emphasizing the right of accused persons to family life. He cited Section 23 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, indicating that the court had ordered an opportunity for family and lawyer visits.
In response, Bockarie argued that the families’ presence was not necessary and maintained that the defense lawyers had visited the accused beyond scheduled times. He contended that the Correctional facility should be given the right to reply.
Justice Kamanda noted that “To deny lawyers access to their clients in a criminal matter will lead to unnecessary delay on adjournment,” He ruled that defence counsel be allowed access to their clients within Correctional Service rules. He emphasized the need for evidence regarding family visitation issues and granted an adjournment until Monday February 12, 2024. The treason trial is set to be heard on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
