By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, March 2025 – Inspector Mohamed Jusu, a cyber analyst with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), testified yesterday before Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens at the Freetown High Court in the ongoing treason trial of Alie Badara Kanu and Thaimu Bangura. The trial stems from allegations related to the failed coup attempt on November 26, 2024.
During his testimony, Inspector Jusu explained his role as a data analyst, which includes examining and analyzing electronic evidence, extracting data, and reporting on findings. He revealed that he was assigned to investigate digital devices linked to the case as part of a broader police investigation. Two mobile phones, belonging to the accused, were handed over to him for analysis.
Inspector Jusu conducted a physical examination of the phones, confirming they were in working condition. Adhering to international best practices, he initially set both devices to flight mode to prevent data transfer before carrying out his analysis. Using specific commands, he retrieved the International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) numbers and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) information from the phones.
He further testified that he reviewed the contents of the accused’s mobile phones, particularly their WhatsApp platforms, where he discovered conversations and voice notes between them. For evidential purposes, he captured screenshots of the messages and extracted the voice notes. The material was saved onto a flash drive and printed into hard copies. These findings were compiled in a report co-signed by Sergeant Sahr Foday Lebbie on July 22, 2024.
In court, the two mobile phones, flash drive, and printed evidence were presented and admitted as exhibits, with the screenshots marked as Exhibit L1-9. The defense counsel, E. Sundars, cross-examined Inspector Jusu following his testimony.
At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, the accused informed the court of their intention to open their defense, with two witnesses lined up to support their case. Justice Stevens denied bail and ordered the accused to remain in custody at the male correctional facility in Freetown. The trial was adjourned to March 20, 2025.