By Elizabeth Kamara
Law Court Building
The High Court of Sierra Leone has urged the prosecution to expedite the treason trial of Alie Badara Kanu, alias Captain Makeni, and Thaimu Bangura, who are facing charges before Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens at High Court No.1 in Freetown.
The accused appeared in court on March 11, 2025, to answer two counts of treason, contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offences Act 1963 (Act No.10 of 1963), as amended by Act No.21 of 1963 and misprision of treason, which involves concealing knowledge of treasonous activities.
According to the prosecution, between June 24, 2023, and June 29, 2024, in Freetown, the accused persons allegedly planned to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
The second count states that between January 1 and April 16, 2024, the accused knew that Captain Senesie, Captain John Conteh (alias Caesar), and other unknown individuals were planning to overthrow the government but failed to report the information to authorities.
When the case was mentioned, State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay Esq. informed the court that his key witness, a lead cyber analyst, was unavailable due to an official assignment.
In response, Justice Stevens emphasized the significance of the case and urged the prosecution to ensure the witness prioritizes the trial.
“The treason matter is a high-profile case, and the witness must make it a priority to appear in court and testify,” the judge stated.
Following this directive, Justice Stevens adjourned the case to March 17, 2025, for further hearings.
