By Fatima Kpaka
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Appeal Court Judge Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Steven urged state counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay to expedite the ongoing treason trial involving Alie Badara Kanu and Thaimu Bangura. This request came after prosecutor Y.I. Sesay informed the court that witness Inspector Mohamed Jusu was absent due to other official state duties.
Justice Steven emphasized the high-profile nature of the treason trial and instructed prosecutor Sesay to ensure that witness Jusu prioritizes his court appearance to testify. Prosecutor Sesay assured the court that he would endeavor to have witness Jusu present at the next adjourned date.
The accused, Alie Badara Kanu and Thaimu Bangura, face two counts of treason under Section 3 (1) (a) of the Treason and State Offences Act 1963 (Act No.10 of 1963), as amended by the Treason and State Offences Amendment Act 1963 (Act No.21 of 1963), and misprision of treason. It is alleged that between June 24, 2023, and June 29, 2024, in Freetown, the accused prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
Additionally, it is alleged that between January 1 and April 16, 2024, in Freetown, the accused, knowing that Captain Senesie, Captain John Conteh alias Caesar, and others had prepared to overthrow the government by unlawful means, unlawfully concealed this information.
The matter has been adjourned to March 17, 2025, for further hearing.