The court martial trial resumed on Monday, July 1, 2024, with the Defense Counsel presenting their case through compelling witness testimonies. This development follows the rejection of the Defense’s no-case submission last week by Judge Advocate Mark Ngeba and the Board Members.
One of the defense witnesses, Madam Kadiatu Bundu Caulker, took the stand under the guidance of Defense Counsel I. A. Kamara. Madam Caulker, a businesswoman residing in Goderich, testified that she is acquainted with the second accused, Ibrahim Bundu Kamara, whom she identified as her nephew.
In her testimony, Madam Caulker recounted the events of Sunday, November 26, 2023. She described being interrupted during her morning prayers by a phone call informing her of an incident unfolding at Wilberforce. Concerned for her nephew, who was stationed at Wilberforce Barracks, she attempted to contact him without success despite numerous attempts.
Later that evening, after prayers at 7:00 pm, Madam Caulker communicated with her younger sister, Fatmata Bundu Kamara, who relayed distressing information obtained via WhatsApp about the second accused. Visiting social media herself, Madam Caulker was shocked to see images of her nephew in handcuffs with injuries to his face, leading her to briefly lose consciousness.
The following day, she learned from the accused’s wife, Isha Kamara, that Ibrahim Bundu Kamara was alive but in critical condition at the Criminal Investigation Department.
Under cross-examination by Lead Prosecutor J.A.K. Sesay, Madam Caulker maintained the credibility of her account.
The court adjourned to July 3, 2024, when another witness is expected to testify, further unfolding the events surrounding this high-profile case.