By Fatima Kpaka
Captain Alie Badara Kanu and Thaimu Bangura two accused persons were on Tuesday 13th August, 2024 remanded by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 for their alleged participation in the November 26th 2023 coup to overthrow the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
The accused persons made their first appearance before Magistrate Bangura on the charges of Treason and Misprison of treason both contrary laws.
According to the indictment, it was stated that the accused on diverse dates between 24th June, 2023 and 29th June 2024 in Sierra Leone prepared to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
The police further alleged on the overt act that the accused persons between June 2023 and March 2024 in furtherance of their preparation to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means, Captain Alie Badara operated a Whatsapp communication group.
The over act further that Thaimu Bangura and other persons unknown in preparation to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means created a Whatsapp group called “Movement to the Restoration of Democracy” joind by Alie Badara and other members.
The overt act furthereds that the accused also on diverse dates on the 31st of March 2024 and on the 19th of April 2024 conspired with other persons unknown to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone by agreeing to recruit individuals of the Armed Forces of Sierra Leone, policemen and ex-military officers across the country.
Also, the accused purchased arms and in furtherance of their plot to overthrow and take over the Government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
The overt act further that the accused between the 29th of July, 2023 and the 31st of March 2024 held meeting at Camp junction Waterloo and four mile in furtherance of the plot to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone.
Also, it is alleged that, Thaimu Bangura on the 1st of March, 2024 in furtherance to plot to over throw the Government by unlawful means formatted a code for weapons, and also on the 15th of April, 2024 circulated military deployments across the country.
It was also alleged that both accused persons with other persons unknown in preparation to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone planned to hold a violent protest which they would use as a cover to carry out their unlawful plot.
The allegations on their overt act furthered that the accused knowing well that Ceaser, Captain Senessie, Captain John Conteh and others had prepared to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone unlawfully concealed the said information.
When the charges were read and explained to them, no plea was taken.
Prosecutor DSP Sorie Conteh informed the court that his witnesses were absent and, in the circumstances, requested for a date to subpoena them.
Defense Counsel M. Y Kanu in reply said the prosecution should bring their witnesses on the next adjourned date, adding that the allegations for which his clients are standing trial are very serious.
Magistrate Santigie Bangura cautioned the prosecution to come with their witnesses on the next adjourned date
The accused persons were remanded whiles the matter was adjourned to today for further hearing