27 military personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel, stood accused of involvement in the November 2023 coup attempt against the Sierra Leone government.

The court martial proceedings commenced today, revealing a staggering 88 charges levied against the accused individuals, exposing their purported roles in the failed coup.

The charges encompass a spectrum of offenses designed to destabilize the state, including mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, aiding the enemy, communicating with the enemy, stealing of public or service property, fraudulent misapplication of public or service property, and the gravest charge of murder – potentially linked to casualties arising from the unsuccessful uprising.

The gravity of the allegations was underscored by the unexpected turn of events when one of the accused fell ill mid-proceedings and had to be removed from the courtroom.

This medical emergency resulted in the adjournment of the hearing until Wednesday, leaving the nation in suspense as it awaits the next chapter in this unfolding drama.