Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda of the Court of Appeal sentenced ASP Ibrahim Sesay, the former Chief Security Officer for ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma, to 44 years in prison after a 12-man jury unanimously found him guilty.

ASP Ibrahim Sesay, the ninth defendant, was responsible for the security of the former President in Freetown and Makeni. Initially a military officer, Sesay transitioned to a police role due to the confidence President Koroma had in him when he assumed office in 2007. Koroma retained Sesay’s services even after his presidency ended.

Sesay faced charges of Misprision of Treason and Harbouring. He was accused of sheltering Torlu Bangura, a participant in the November 26 coup attempt. This coup saw military personnel attack an armoury, resulting in over 70 deaths before state forces quashed the uprising.

Evidence presented at the trial showed that Sesay helped arrange Bangura’s medical treatment trip to Nigeria, facilitated by ECOWAS. Both defense and prosecution were given ample time to present their cases. At the trial’s conclusion, defense attorneys, including M. Pious Sesay Esq., commended Justice Kamanda for his patience and professionalism, highlighting the trial’s fairness and transparency.

Former President Koroma faced four charges, including Treason, but avoided trial due to international pressure on the ruling SLPP government. Justice Kamanda’s decision is a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s judicial history. Kailondo plans to profile all convicts and provide detailed updates on the 11 convicted individuals and the evidence against them.