The ongoing court-martial trial of 27 soldiers from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) took a dramatic turn on Wednesday with the presentation of audio-visual evidence.

A prosecution witness, a cyber analyst from the Sierra Leone Police, testified and presented a flash drive containing various materials, including WhatsApp audio recordings, call logs, voice notes, and CCTV footage.

While the CCTV recordings were not shown due to the adjournment of the court, the prosecution played excerpts of audio retrieved from the accused soldiers’ phones. These recordings, allegedly captured before, during, and after the failed coup attempt on March 26th, 2024, were played in court.

News reports claim the audio recordings captured the accused soldiers discussing and celebrating the planned overthrow of the “SLPP government” that same night.

The graphic details in the audio reportedly left relatives of the accused soldiers in tears. This emotional response suggests that the presented evidence may be undermining previous claims of innocence by the defendants.

Magistrate Mark Ngegba, the presiding Judge Advocate, adjourned the court until March 21st, 2024. The prosecution is expected to present the highly anticipated video evidence obtained from the prison facility where a photo of a key suspect, Koita, was taken.

All 27 defendants are represented by a team of lawyers, including those from the Legal Aid Board. J.A.K Sesay Esq. continues to prosecute the case on behalf of the State.