The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin, delivered the opening address at the Court Martial trial on Monday, marking the beginning of the legal proceedings against six military officers accused of participating in activities related to the failed November 2023 coup attempt.

The trial, held at Cockeril Military Headquarters, commenced before Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba and a panel of six military officials.

The accused officers, all dismissed from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), face multiple charges including mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, and desertion under the Armed Forces Act of 1961.

The officers are Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay, Major Juana Kabba, Major Foday Sumana Kamara, Major Ibrahim Abu Bakarr Bangura, Lieutenant Zainab Amara Suwu, and Corporal Mohamed Koroma.

In his address, Attorney General Lamin outlined the State’s case, presenting evidence of a conspiracy to overthrow the government of President Julius Maada Bio.

He alleged that the plot was orchestrated by civilian Sheka Idriss Dumbuya, a school proprietor, who formed a group called ‘Kalamera,’ later creating a WhatsApp group named “Security Network Core” to include military personnel in the coup plan.

Lamin stated that the accused officers were members of this group and actively participated in discussions about procuring arms and recruiting discontented military personnel.

The prosecution’s case further alleges that Major Pao Sesay played a leading role in coordinating the military aspect of the coup, and that meetings were held in Freetown and Makeni to plan the procurement of arms from Guinea.

Attorney General Lamin stressed that the accused officers abandoned their duties, violating their oath to serve and protect the state.

Defense lawyers representing the accused officers argued that the WhatsApp groups were not political, with some claiming that their clients were unaware of the coup plot or had fled for personal safety reasons.

They called on the court to evaluate the evidence impartially and reminded the board that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.

The trial continues today as the prosecution is expected to present its first witnesses.