Court-Martial: Witnesses Reveal Evidence Against High-Ranking Officers
By Fatima Kpaka
The Court-Martial trial of seven military personnel, including Major Bai Sesay, continued on October 22, 2024, with key testimonies shedding light on the charges of mutiny, desertion, and other offenses. The trial is being presided over by Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba, alongside seven board members.
Sergeant 18181839, a second prosecution witness, presented statements from Major Bai Sesay, detailing events at the 15th Battalion, where the accused refused to release ammunition without proper authorization. His statement, recorded in Krio and tendered in English, was submitted as evidence, forming part of the prosecution’s case. According to the statement, Sesay denied ammunition to Corporal Nyakeh, who claimed to be acting on instructions from a convicted Staff Sergeant.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Bockarie Marrah testified against six other accused officers. He provided detailed service records and confirmed their absence without leave (AWOL), which led to their dismissals. Marrah outlined the process of the Board of Inquiry, which concluded their discharge after 21 days of AWOL. The officers’ dismissal dates were confirmed as late 2023 and early 2024.
Cross-examinations revealed discrepancies in dates and payroll management, with the defense raising questions regarding the detention of some accused officers during their alleged AWOL period.
The trial is set to continue, with the accused remanded in custody.