Treason Case of Ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma Adjourned to November 18, 2024

In a significant development in the ongoing treason case against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, Magistrate Santigie Bangura on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, adjourned the proceedings to November 18, 2024. The adjournment came after the defense team was unable to produce Koroma, who is currently in Nigeria for medical treatment.

The defense’s failure to present Koroma at the court session led to a closed-door meeting between the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Osman I. Kanu and defense counsel Saidu Bangura, along with Magistrate Bangura. Following this private discussion, the decision to adjourn the case was made.

Koroma faces a total of four charges: one count of treason, one count of misprision of treason, and two counts of harboring individuals involved in the alleged plot. The indictment outlines that between November 5 and November 26, 2023, Koroma was involved in preparations to unlawfully overthrow the government of Sierra Leone.

Specifically, the former president is accused of harboring Soriba Mansaray, Yapo Sesay, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura, Sergeant 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara, and Kabba Dumbuya at his residence. These individuals were allegedly preparing to execute the coup. Furthermore, on November 29, 2023, in Makeni, Koroma is alleged to have knowingly concealed the treasonous activities of Soriba Mansaray, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura, and Yapo Sesay.

The case has attracted significant attention, given Koroma’s prominent role in Sierra Leone’s political history. On January 17, 2024, Koroma was granted permission by Justice Samuel Taylor at the High Court in Freetown to travel to Nigeria for urgent medical treatment. This permission followed a successful bail review application by his legal team, which requested ninety days for his medical attention.

Currently, Koroma’s defense counsel is seeking an extension of this medical leave from the High Court. They argue that the former president requires additional time for his medical treatment in Nigeria. This request comes as the legal proceedings against him continue to unfold, with the next court date now set for November 18, 2024.

The case has far-reaching implications, not only for Koroma but also for Sierra Leone’s political landscape. The charges of treason and misprision of treason are serious offenses, and the outcome of this case will be closely watched by both national and international observers. The government’s commitment to transparency and due process will be critical in ensuring public confidence in the judicial proceedings.

As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on ensuring a fair trial and upholding the rule of law in Sierra Leone. The adjournment provides additional time for both the prosecution and the defense to prepare their cases, and for Koroma to receive the medical treatment he needs. The next few months will be crucial in determining the direction of this high-profile case