Amadu Koita Makalo, the first accused in the trial involving twelve individuals charged with a failed coup attempt in Freetown on November 26, 2023, has concluded his defense.

Koita testified as the first defense witness on Monday, July 1, 2024, and his cross-examination continued on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

During cross-examination, Koita told Principal State Prosecutor Ahmed Bockarie that he was captured by the assailants, including Captain Jalloh, Kabba, and later Captain Senessie. When asked if it was the same Jalloh he previously mentioned leaving in Makeni, Koita affirmed it was.

Koita stated he only knew Kabba from their time in the military and had no personal relationship with him, having lost contact after Kabba retired. When shown a picture in which he identified himself, Koita declined further comment, stating it was not presented during cross-examination.

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Defense lawyer Pious Sesay objected to tendering a document, arguing improper foundation, but Bockarie responded that the document was extracted from CCTV footage at Pademba Road Prison.

Koita confirmed communicating with Ameriken, a member of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) seen with the assailants. However, he could not recall the exact date of their last communication in 2023. He denied contacting Ameriken on or before November 26, 2023, stating he did not have a Sierra Leonean SIM card at the time.

Koita identified Lieutenant Colonel Aiah Abba Senessie as someone saluted at Cockeril headquarters in Freetown. He also confirmed knowing several co-accused individuals, including Salifu Kamara and Mohamed Woodie, but denied communication with Woodie and familiarity with a contact named Nyekah in his phone. He identified Ibrahim T. Bangura, nicknamed Tiger, as someone he met during the war.

Koita denied knowing Ramatu Conteh, a correctional service officer, and identified Salma as his ex-wife. He stated he was given a gun by the assailants between Murray Town and Campbell Street but managed to escape at Pademba Road Prison gate, seeking refuge in an unfinished building before being arrested at Alimatu Hassan Bangura’s place.

Koita denied any romantic relationship with Alimatu, whom he first met in 2019, and explained that he found her place by coincidence. He contested parts of his police statement, describing inaccuracies regarding his hiding and arrest at Alimatu’s house.

Koita refuted claims of being arrested in Alimatu’s kitchen cabinet and clarified his arrest was led by Lieutenant Colonel Sannoh. He read from Alimatu’s statement that confirmed a love relationship between them but maintained his narrative of events.

The defense did not reexamine Koita. His second witness, Ameriken, who is also on trial at the court-martial, was absent due to illness.