The treason trial of Thaimu Bangura, accused of conspiring to overthrow the Sierra Leonean government, took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as Detective Sergeant Solomon Amadu presented crucial evidence.

This evidence has intensified the case against Bangura, who now faces two grave charges: treason and misprison of treason.

These charges stem from an alleged coup plot aimed at toppling the government between June 2023 and June 2024.

The prosecution has painted a picture of a well-organized conspiracy, accusing Bangura and his co-conspirators of methodically planning to destabilize the nation.

Central to these accusations is a WhatsApp group named “Movement to the Restoration of Democracy,” which, according to the indictment, was created by Bangura.

The group allegedly served as a covert platform for recruiting military and police personnel, including former officers, to support their coup attempt.

During the trial, Sergeant Amadu presented a Techno Spark phone reportedly belonging to Bangura, which was used to orchestrate the group’s activities.

The prosecution claims that between March and April 2024, the accused held several secret meetings at strategic locations like Camp Junction Waterloo and Four Mile.

These meetings allegedly involved discussions about acquiring weapons, sharing military deployment codes, and planning violent protests to create chaos as a cover for their coup.

Sergeant Amadu recounted the rigorous investigative process, including multiple interviews with Bangura. These interviews were initially conducted in Krio and later translated into English, with the statements presented as part of the evidence. The prosecution argues that these findings substantiate the charges of treason against Bangura.

Despite the defense’s efforts to challenge the credibility of the evidence, highlighting that much of it could be based on hearsay, the court sided with the prosecution. Defense lawyer M.Y. Kanu questioned the legitimacy of the charges, but Sergeant Amadu stood firm, maintaining that the evidence was credible and consistent with the alleged coup plot.

In light of the presented evidence, the court denied bail to Bangura, ordering that he remain in custody until the trial resumes on September 4, 2024. This decision underscores the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing threat perceived by the authorities.

As the trial continues, it remains a focal point of national attention, with the potential to significantly impact Sierra Leone’s political landscape. The case against Bangura and his alleged co-conspirators has raised concerns about security and stability, with the nation watching closely as the proceedings unfold.