Amadu Koita And Others: State Prosecutor Urges Jury to Consider Evidence And Convict Accused Persons

Senior State Prosecutor Oladipo Vivian Robbin Mason urged a twelve-person jury to carefully evaluate the evidence implicating Amadu Koita Makalo, the primary accused, in the events at Cockeril Barracks on Wilkinson Road.

This trial involves twelve individuals accused of attempting a coup to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone on November 26, 2023.

Mason emphasized the jury’s critical role as fact-finders, stressing the importance of considering the unchallenged evidence against Koita when delivering their verdict. He highlighted testimony from thirty-two witnesses, including Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma, who provided evidence regarding the fatal gunshot wounds sustained during the assault.

According to Mason, Colonel Sheike Ahmed Sandi testified that Koita and his team captured him and witnessed the breach of the maximum-security prison gate, resulting in the unlawful release of over a thousand inmates. Mason detailed Koita’s journey from the United Kingdom to Sierra Leone on November 21, 2023, via Guinea, where he met with assailants including Captain Jalloh and Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma. He alleged that Koita and his group fortified themselves against bullets at an herbalist’s (Pa Sesay) in Makeni before moving to Freetown.

“At Pa Sesay’s, Staff Sgt. Koroma, Inspector Mansaray, and Leather Boot, all former security guards of ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, performed rituals,” Mason stated. “They then traveled to Lungi and subsequently entered Freetown.”

Mason continued, outlining how Koita’s group allegedly received eight AK-47 guns and 480 magazines from Staff Sgt. Koroma, smuggling them into Freetown concealed in bags of charcoal. They deployed men at Wilberforce, Murray Town, and Cockeril Barracks, where they broke into the arms store, stole RPGs and other rifles, and engaged in armed confrontations that resulted in casualties among security personnel.

“They disarmed guards, launched RPGs, and engaged in acts aimed at overthrowing the Sierra Leone government,” Mason asserted. “Facilities were destroyed, and individuals were killed, including Kai Mondeh.”

Mason recounted how Koita and his accomplices proceeded to the Joint Force Command office at Cockeril Military Headquarters, where they killed Corporal Chernor Suliaman Bah and others, kidnapped Lieutenant Colonel Sheike Ahmed Sandi, and later attacked Murray Town, detonating an RPG bomb that killed two military personnel, including Lieutenant Colonel Wilfred Sao Samai, and seriously injured Major General Alpha, the Joint Force Commander of RSLAF.

“From Murray Town, they moved to the Pademba Road Prison, where they killed Officer Obi Isaac Johnson and unlawfully released over two thousand inmates,” Mason added. He presented CCTV footage showing Koita and his team at the prison gate, later repelled by loyal government forces. Koita was subsequently harbored by Halimatu Hassan Bangura, the fifth accused, where he was arrested on December 4, 2023.

Mason emphasized that the prosecution relied on the testimony of witnesses, including Major General Alpha, and evidence from Koita himself. “The evidence, especially that of witnesses thirteen to fifteen, supports our case,” he stated.

He encouraged the jury to consider the testimonies of Abigail, a soldier who witnessed the looting of the arms store at Wilberforce, and the accounts of Alpha Methodist Kargbo, Major Dassama, and Major General Alpha, confirming these events. Mason highlighted Ibrahim Deen, the thirteenth prosecution witness, who confirmed the attack at Wilberforce Barracks and the removal of weapons by assailants.

“The witnesses were not cross-examined by the defense,” Mason noted, urging the jury to accept the evidence proving the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

In concluding his submission, Mason reiterated that the evidence clearly indicated Koita’s presence and active role in the events of November 26, 2023. He highlighted the fatalities and destruction caused by Koita and his team, emphasizing their intent to overthrow the government through unlawful means.

“The evidence speaks for itself,” Mason concluded. “We have demonstrated the accused’s involvement and the tragic consequences of their actions.”

The trial is adjourned for Justice Komba Kamanda to deliver the jury’s instructions and summarize the case later this week.