Renowned Sierra Leonean Lawyer, Ady Macauley, who represented the former bodyguard of Ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma, Emmanuel Salifu Kamara, and Inspector Ibrahim Sesay in the recently concluded treason trial, has hinted on plans to challenge the verdict in the Appeals Court.

Macauley in an interview stated the possibility of appealing the verdict after reviewing the judge’s summary and direction to jurors for potential errors.

According to Macauley, he and his clients believe that the prosecution failed to provide their guilt beyond reasonable doubt, and they were doubted by the verdict of the court.

“We believe the prosecution failed to prove the guilt of our clients beyond reasonable doubt. However, our clients remain convicted, and we have to overturn what we consider a flawed decision.”

The court sentenced SGT. 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara to 52 years for counts 1 and 2 (to run concurrently) and 40 years for count 7. ASP Ibrahim Sesay received 40 years for count 15 and 4 years for count 16.

Macauley questioned the evidence’s validity, particularly disputing claims of Kamara’s communication with the alleged plotters on the day of the attempted coup-November 26, 2023.

He emphasized that the telephone logs showed no such communication on that day, with calls between Kamara and the individuals mentioned occurring about a month prior and being routine colleague interactions.

Macauley expressed him and his clients’ disagreement with the jurors’ conclusion, noting a significant disparity between the trial’s facts and the verdict. The trial involved charges of treason and serious offenses related to an alleged coup attempt, which authorities deemed major threat to personal Stability.