Another Senior Military Officer Arraigned for Treason
By: Bonnke Fofanah
Another military officer, George Adams has been arraigned before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba road court No.2 for alleged treason of November 26 attempted coup.
Adams was arraigned before the court on three count charges ranging from Treason contrary to section 3 (1 a) of the treason and state offences Act 1963, misprision of treason contrary to law, and murder contrary to section 1 of the offenses against the persons Act 1861 as repealed and replace by section 1(a) of the schedule of the Abolition of the death penalty Act 2022, Act No 6. of 2022.
According to the particular of offense, that the accused George Adams on the 11th and 26th November 2023 in Sierra Leone allegedly prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means between 5th to 26th November 2023, conspired together with other persons unknown to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by seizing and taking control of 5th battalion headquarters, Wilberforce Barracks, Cockrill, 3rd Infantry brigade headquarters, Sierra Leone Correctional Centres in Freetown and Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation.
It was further alleged that the accused on the 26th November 2023 unlawfully released inmates from the said center and on diverse dates between 23rd to 25th November 2023, in Freetown knowing that treason was been committee by Amadu Koita Makalo , Leader Boot, Captain Jalloh, Sorieba Mansaray and other persons unknown by concealing the commission of the said treason and on 26th November 2023, at Pademba Road Correctional Center in Freetown murdered Obi Isaac Johnson.
Led in evidence by prosecutor Sesay, the first prosecution witness Sergeant 8904 Solomon Amadu attached at the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters testified in court that he recognized the accused in the dock. He recalled on 16th March, 2024, that he was on duty at the station when the accused was handed over to him for investigation. He said on Sunday 17th March, 2024, himself together with Constable 1717 Amara Dumbuya obtained interview statement from the accused and the statement was tendered in court and marked as exhibit A1-18.
Witness Amidu continues that on Tuesday 30th April, 2024, himself Amara Dumbuya obtained further caution statement from the accused by observing the Judges Rules and this statement was also tendered in court and marked as exhibit B1-17. He said on Wednesday 5th June, 2024, the accused was charged on three counts offences of Treason, Misprision of treason and Murder.The charge statement of the accused was tendered and marked as exhibit C1-2.
After his testimony, the Defence Counsel, A. A Coker said as per instructions from their senior counsel no cross examination will be done. The accused was remanded and the matter was adjourned to Tuesday 9th July 2024.
