In a significant development at the ongoing Court Martial trial, Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura, a military security personnel previously attached to former President Ernest Bai Koroma, took the stand yesterday. The trial, overseen by Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba, involves several serving members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).

As the 21st accused in the trial, Bangura categorically denied any involvement in the alleged coup attempt that reportedly took place on November 26, 2023, in Freetown. During his testimony, Bangura detailed his movements leading up to the incident. He explained that he was last in Freetown on October 2, 2023, accompanying former President Koroma for a meeting, and returned to Makeni on the same day.

On November 24, Bangura traveled to his village to attend a family meeting concerning a charity arrangement for deceased relatives. Feeling unwell, he was unable to participate in the meeting and returned to Makeni that evening. Once in Makeni, he consulted a nurse, who prescribed medication. After obtaining the prescription from a pharmacy, he went home, only to discover that his mobile phone was missing. Despite reporting the missing phone to Rogbaneh Police Station, the lack of tracking capability for his non-smartphone made recovery difficult.

Bangura’s subsequent efforts included replacing his lost phone and continuing his duties at the former President’s residence. He later learned from Military Officer Yapo Sesay that Sesay would be attending a funeral, and subsequently, Sesay was uncontactable. Attempts to locate Sesay through his brother, Corporal Paul, revealed that Sesay had briefly stayed in the village but had returned to Makeni.

Following these events, Bangura was summoned by Major Bangura and later by Colonel Pessima, who informed him of Sesay’s supposed location in Binkolo. Despite searching Binkolo, Sesay remained elusive. Bangura was arrested and later released with the condition of locating Sesay.

On December 5, Brigadier General Samandia directed Bangura to join the police investigation into Sesay’s whereabouts, which led him to inform his superior, former President Koroma. However, Koroma had reportedly issued a directive prohibiting Sesay from entering his compound.

Bangura’s testimony continues to unfold as the court seeks clarity on the alleged coup attempt and the involved personnel’s roles.