By Fatima Kpaka
Magistrate Santigie Bangura has on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, postponed the inquiry into the charges for treason of George Adams, a former soldier charged for Conspiracy Murder and Misprison of Treason, because both the defense and the prosecution counsel were absent.
The accused is being investigated for his possible role in the November 26, 2023 failed coup d’état, which was staged to topple the administration of Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio.
The charge sheet indicated that Adams on the 11th and 26th of November 2023 in Sierra Leone took preparatory actions to overthrow the government of the Republic of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
The indictment further alleged on the Overt Act that the accused between the 5th to 26th of November 2023, conspired with unknown persons seized and took control of 5th Infantry Battalion headquarters at Wilberforce Barracks, Cockerill, 3rd Infantry Brigade headquarters, Sierra Leone Correctional facilities in Freetown and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation in a bid to overthrow and take control of the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
It was further alleged that the accused on the 26th of November 2023 conspired with other persons unknown to overthrow the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone by unlawful means and violently attacked, broke and open the male and female correctional center in Freetown and unlawfully released inmates from said center.
It was further alleged that the accused on diverse dates between the 23rd and the 25th of November 2023, in Freetown knowing that treason was being committed by Amadu Koita Makolo , Leatherboot, Captain Jalloh, Sorieba Mansaray and other persons unlawfully concealed the commission of the said treason.
The charge sheet further added that the accused on the 26th of November 2023, at Pademba Road correctional center in Freetown murdered Obi Isaac Johnson.
Magistrate Bangura remanded Adams, and adjourned the matter to a later date.