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During the ongoing court martial hearings, Corporal Abubakar Turay, the 23rd accused, admitted on July 29, 2024, to taking photographs of himself with other accused individuals at Lungi prior to the failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023.
Turay, testifying before Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba and the court’s board, acknowledged taking these snapshots two weeks before the attempted coup.
Represented by lawyer Ibrahim Kamara, Turay identified himself in various photos with fellow accused including Koita, Leatherboot, and Captain Jalloh. He explained that he had taken these photos while stationed at the 15th Battalion in Lungi and returned to normal duties after a brief absence.
Turay detailed his detention, describing how he was summoned to Freetown and placed in custody from December 1, 2023, without food or water until his transfer to the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters. He expressed confusion over the charges against him, stating he was not informed of the specific allegations until statements were taken from him in January 2024.
In his defense, Turay highlighted procedural issues, including his lack of access to legal representation during interrogation. He also mentioned difficulties in contacting his family until his court appearance on January 8, 2024. Turay, who is married with three children, provided further details about his military duties and his written pass for the period surrounding the coup attempt.
Cross-examined by State Counsel Joseph Sesay, Turay confirmed his deployment at Lungi and described the standard procedures for welfare passes. He identified several individuals in photos but denied knowing some of the accused shown in evidence.
The hearings continue today as the court reviews further evidence and testimony.
