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On August 8, 2024, Lance Corporal 18180173 Abu Bakarr Koroma, also known as Opanday, was removed from court and taken to a psychiatric hospital after his trial was suspended for medical reasons. The court martial, which has been underway since January 2024, involves 26 soldiers accused of participating in the failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023.
Koroma’s removal followed a severe epileptic episode, compounded by psychotic behavior, which led the court to halt his trial temporarily. The Lance Corporal has experienced intermittent epileptic seizures throughout the proceedings, with medical reports indicating a worsening condition that necessitated his transfer to the National Psychiatric Hospital.
Despite the suspension of Koroma’s trial, the court martial of the remaining 25 soldiers is proceeding. The judge is expected to deliver a summation of the case, as closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense concluded late yesterday.
Koroma faces multiple charges, including mutiny, conspiracy to mutiny, failing to suppress mutiny, and conduct prejudicing military discipline. His defense attorney, Bangura Esq., argued that while Koroma was seen with other coup plotters at a herbalist’s place in Makeni, his medical condition rendered him incapable of participating in the alleged conspiracy.
As the court martial continues, the focus remains on the ongoing trials of the remaining accused soldiers, with the proceedings expected to address the complexities surrounding the coup attempt and the alleged involvement of the defendants.
