The Court Martial investigating the failed coup attempt of November 26, 2023, involving serving military and police personnel, witnessed a pivotal moment on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Detective Inspector Mohamed Jusu, a seasoned system and data analyst attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), tendered critical CCTV footage from the Pademba Road Prison as evidence in the ongoing trial.

The footage, displayed before Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba and a panel of seven board members, captured significant moments of the coup attempt.

Specifically, it showed Corporal Alpha Wurie Conteh (4th accused) and Corporal Ibrahim Kuyateh (5th accused) launching an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) at the prison’s gate.

The recordings, which have been marked as Exhibit X, provide key visual evidence implicating the accused in the botched attack.

Details from the Evidence

During his testimony, Inspector Jusu revealed that the CCTV footage was provided by the Sierra Leone Correctional Center as part of the investigation.

The 4th and 5th accused individuals were identified in the footage by members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) who assisted in the investigation.

The video displayed the duo engaged in combat operations, including the exchange of RPG fire at the prison gate and towards Dwarzark Junction.

Additionally, Inspector Jusu noted that the accused individuals were identified wearing military attire, with Corporal Kuyateh spotted in military trousers, and Corporal Conteh in a helmet and uniform while armed with RPGs.

The detective provided details about the meticulous process used to secure and analyze the digital evidence. Mobile phones belonging to Amadu Koita Makalo, now a convict, were also examined, revealing incriminating communications with Major Bai Sesay (1st accused) via WhatsApp.

Records showed that conference calls involving several accused persons, including Major Sesay and other conspirators, occurred between November 22 and 26, 2023.

Inspector Jusu emphasized that integrity tools were utilized to preserve the authenticity of the evidence during the transfer and analysis process. Screenshots and footage were saved on secure devices and tendered as exhibits.

The defense team raised concerns about the discrepancies between the evidence provided and the materials displayed in court.

Lawyer Ibrahim Bangura, representing Major Bai Sesay, stated that the inconsistencies hindered the ability to proceed with cross-examination, leading to an adjournment.

Further cross-examinations revealed some limitations of the CCTV footage. For instance, while the footage provided visual evidence of actions taken by the accused, it lacked audio, which the defense argued could provide context to the events captured.

The accused—Major Bai Sesay, Staff Sergeant Joseph Conteh, Sergeant Alimamy Conteh, Corporal Alpha Wurie Conteh, Lance Corporal Ibrahim Kuyateh, Lance Corporal Lahai Kemoh, and Sergeant Baimba Bangura—face ten charges. These include committing mutiny, communicating with the enemy, desertion, and conduct prejudicial to military discipline.

The matter was adjourned to Thursday, November 21, 2024, for the continuation of cross-examination. All accused persons remain in remand as the trial progresses.

This case underscores the importance of technology and forensic analysis in modern criminal investigations, as the court continues to unravel the details of the failed coup attempt.