By Yusufu S. Bangura
The Siaka Stevens Street High Court, presided over by Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Steven, is currently hearing the case of two individuals, Alie Badara Kanu alias Captain Makeni and Thaimu Bangura, who have been charged with treason and misprision of treason.
The accused were remanded to Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre as the trial continues.
The charges against the accused state that between June 24, 2023, and June 29, 2024, in Freetown, they prepared to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone through unlawful means.
Additionally, between January 1 and April 16, 2024, it is alleged that the accused knowingly concealed information about a plot by Captain Senesie, Captain John Conteh alias Caesar, and other unknown individuals to overthrow the government.
Upon being informed of the charges, the accused did not enter a plea, as treason is a capital offense. The State Prosecutor, Yusif Isaac Sesay, submitted consent for the prosecution under the Treason and State Offenses Act of 1963, which was accepted by the court and marked as Exhibit A.
Justice Stevens noted that without the consent, the trial would be considered invalid. After the consent was tendered, twelve jurors were selected, with no objections from the accused, and were duly sworn in.
The prosecution outlined the case to the jurors, while the accused were represented by lawyers Ibrahim Bangura and E. Sundars from the Legal Aid Board.
Lead counsel Ibrahim Bangura applied for bail, asserting that the accused would not interfere with the trial or flee. He emphasized their innocence until proven guilty and the need for proper communication with them if granted bail.
The State Prosecutor opposed bail, citing the severity of the charges. Justice Stevens denied bail, acknowledging the seriousness of the offenses but assuring that the trial would be conducted impartially while safeguarding the accused’s human rights.
The case has been adjourned to March 3, 2025, for further hearings. If found guilty, the accused could face life imprisonment, as was the case with Amadu Koita Makalo and others, who were convicted of the same offense.
