By Fatima Kpaka
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the court-martial of seven military personnel concluded with one acquittal and six severe sentences. The seventh accused, Sergeant Baimba Bangura, was acquitted and discharged by Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba and the board on five counts, including committing a civil offense and mutiny.
Acquittal and Sentencing:
- Sergeant Baimba Bangura was acquitted on all five counts, including committing a civil offense and mutiny.
The six other military personnel received the following sentences:
- Major Bai Sesay was sentenced to 125 years in prison on seven counts, including mutiny and communicating with the enemy.
- Lance Corporal Lahai Kemoh received a 130-year sentence for five counts, including mutiny and desertion.
- Staff Sergeant Joseph Conteh was sentenced to 18 months on one count of conduct prejudicial to military discipline.
- Sergeant Alimamy Alhaji Conteh was sentenced to 120 years on six counts, including committing a civil offense and mutiny.
- Corporal Alpha Wurie Conteh was sentenced to 125 years on five counts, including committing a civil offense and mutiny.
- Lance Corporal Ibrahim Kuyateh received a 120-year sentence on five counts, including committing a civil offense and mutiny.
The convicted individuals were found guilty of various offenses, including mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, communicating with the enemy, conduct prejudicial to military discipline, and desertion. Their sentences are subject to confirmation, and they have been dismissed from the army.
Trial Details:
Judge Advocate Ngegba outlined the prosecution’s case, which involved 20 witnesses, including Cyber Officer Inspector Mohamed Jusu, who provided video, text, and audio evidence from the convicts’ mobile phones. The defense counsels cross-examined the prosecution witnesses.
In their defenses, the accused provided various explanations for their actions on the day of the incident. Despite their testimonies, the board found their defenses insufficient to overturn the charges.
Defense and Plea Mitigations:
Defense counsels Ibrahim Bangura and Chernor Kamara pleaded for leniency, highlighting their clients’ family responsibilities and lack of prior conflicts with the law. However, State Counsel Joseph A.K. Sesay emphasized the gravity of the offenses committed and urged the board to consider the severe impact of their actions.
After deliberation, Judge Advocate Ngegba handed down the sentences, reflecting the military’s commitment to discipline and national security. Following the sentencing, President of the Board Colonel Samuel George declared the court-martial closed.