By Fatima Kpaka
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay and Corporal Mohamed Koroma were sentenced to 75 years in prison each by Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba after being found guilty on charges including mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, and desertion. The verdicts were handed down by the president and members of the court-martial board.
Major Juana Kabba and Foday Sumana Kamara were also sentenced to 60 years imprisonment each for similar charges. Additionally, Major Ibrahim Abu Bakarr Bangura and Lieutenant Zainab Amara Suwu were both sentenced to 50 years in prison for their involvement in the offenses.
Judge Advocate Ngegba addressed the court before the judgment, emphasizing the importance of applying legal principles impartially. He reminded the board that the burden of proof rests on the prosecution, and that any doubt should be resolved in favour of the accused.
The prosecution presented evidence from 16 witnesses and various exhibits. The defense cross-examined all witnesses, and the accused testified but did not call additional witnesses. Allegations of mistreatment and bribery during the investigation were raised but did not influence the board’s decision.
After deliberation, Colonel Samuel M. O. George, president of the board, announced a unanimous guilty verdict for all six accused on all counts. The sentences for each officer will run concurrently.
The first accused, Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay (alias PAO), was charged with five counts and found guilty on all. Major Juana Kabba, Major Foday Sumana Kamara, Major Ibrahim Abu Bakarr Bangura, Lieutenant Zainab Amara Suwu, and Corporal Mohamed Koroma were also found guilty on multiple counts.
Following the guilty verdict, defense counsel pleaded for leniency on behalf of the accused. Lawyer Ibrahim Bangura, representing the second and sixth accused, highlighted their diligent service and clean records, urging the board to consider their good character and family responsibilities. Lawyer Yankay Kargbo, representing the third accused, emphasized his client’s long, loyal service and clean record. Other defense counsel also pleaded for mercy, citing the accused’s good behavior and family ties.
Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay, in his allocutus, tearfully pleaded for mercy, highlighting his dedication to serving the country and his admiration for Judge Ngegba. He emphasized that he never intended to overthrow President Bio and asked for leniency. Other accused officers also pleaded for mercy, citing their long service, family responsibilities, and lack of prior criminal records.
The lead state counsel, Lawyer Joseph AK Sesay, acknowledged the lack of prior incidents among the convicted officers but relied on the discretion of the bench.
The state counsels that prosecuted the matter included the Director of Public Prosecution O I Kanu, Lawyer AJM Bockarie, Lawyer Joseph AK Sesay, Lawyer Williams, Colonel Serry, Colonel MBS Kamara, Colonel Lusenie, Major Gabber, and Captain Yainkain Kamara. The defense counsels included Lawyer Ibrahim Bangura, Lawyer Hassan Kamara, Lawyer J Kobba, Lawyer LJ Kamara, Lawyer S Elleamoh, and Lawyer Yankay Kargbo.
The convicted officers were part of a group of military personnel declared wanted in connection with subversive activities between June 23 and July 29, 2023, following the re-election of President Julius Maada Bio. During the investigation, some accused evaded arrest but were later captured and extradited to Sierra Leone. All six were arraigned on October 17, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.