By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone — Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens of the Freetown High Court has sentenced Alie Badara Kanu and Thaimu Bangura to 120 years imprisonment each after a jury of twelve found them guilty of treason and misprision of treason. The sentencing took place on Monday, March 24, 2025, following an extensive trial.
Charges and Allegations
The convicts were charged with two counts of treason under Section 3 (1) (a) of the Treason and State Offences Act 1963, as amended by the Treason and State Offences Amendment Act 1963, as well as misprision of treason. According to the indictment, the duo conspired between June 24, 2023, and June 29, 2024, to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means. Additionally, they were accused of concealing information regarding a plot involving Captain Senesie, Captain John Conteh (alias Caesar), and others.
Defense Arguments
Defense counsel S. Turay, representing Alie Badara Kanu, argued that the prosecution failed to present substantial evidence proving his client’s involvement in the alleged plot. Turay emphasized that there was no evidence indicating Kanu operated a WhatsApp group or purchased weapons to orchestrate the coup. He further highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, such as the lack of forensic telecommunications evidence linking Kanu to the conspiracy.
Counsel E. Sunder, representing Thaimu Bangura, adopted Turay’s arguments and highlighted bias in the police records, pointing out discrepancies in Bangura’s place of birth as recorded in his statement. Both defense counsels pleaded for their clients’ acquittal, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Prosecution’s Case
State counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay countered that the prosecution provided sufficient evidence to secure convictions. He emphasized witness testimonies and confessional statements from both convicts, which he argued clearly demonstrated their involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the government. Sesay also noted that the convicts’ activities, including participation in a WhatsApp group and meetings to plan the coup, were corroborated by multiple sources.
Verdict and Sentencing
Justice Stevens, in his summing-up address, underscored the weight of the confessional statements provided by the convicts. He stated that such admissions were equivalent to guilty pleas and required no additional evidence. The jury subsequently returned a unanimous verdict of guilt against both convicts.
In their allocutus, both Kanu and Bangura pleaded for leniency, citing their roles as family breadwinners. Their defense counsels also appealed to the judge for mercy. However, Justice Stevens handed down a sentence of 120 years imprisonment for each convict, to be served consecutively, citing the severity of the offense.
This landmark ruling serves as a stern warning against acts of treason and reaffirms Sierra Leone’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.