Two on Remand for Treason
By Fatima Sesay
The treason case involving Joseph Dumbuya and Ahmed Turay has once again been adjourned due to the absence of defense counsel. The matter came up on Monday, May 26, 2025, before Magistrate Patrick Fofanah at Court No. 1, Pademba Road. Joseph Dumbuya, 50, and Ahmed Turay, 59, are facing grave allegations of conspiring with unknown individuals to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone through unlawful means. The accused are charged with two counts: treason, contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offences Act of 1963, and murder, contrary to Section 1 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861. According to the indictment, between November 11 and November 26, 2023, in Freetown, the accused allegedly conspired with others to unlawfully seize control of the government. The charge sheet further states that they attempted to take over strategic military and state facilities, including the 5th Battalion at Wilberforce Barracks, the Joint Force Command Headquarters at Cockerill, the 3rd Infantry Brigade at Murray Town, the Sierra Leone Correctional Centre, and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation in New England Ville. The prosecution also alleges that on November 26, 2023, the accused made a violent attempt to overthrow the government by breaking into both male and female correctional facilities, unlawfully releasing inmates, and attacking the premises. Furthermore, they are accused of murdering Correctional Officer Obi Isaac Johnson during the attack. During proceedings, Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay requested an adjournment, citing the absence of defense counsel, Chernor Kamara. He informed the court that the Attorney General had instructed that the matter be tried expeditiously. Bail was denied, and the case has been adjourned to Thursday, May 29, 2025, for further hearing.
