Sergeant Emmanuel Salifu Kamara, a member of the Sierra Leone Police, emphatically denied conspiring to commit treason against his country during his testimony at the High Court No. 1 in Freetown.

Kamara, who took the stand as the first defense witness in his ongoing trial, insisted on his loyalty to the state, asserting that he “could not conspire with anyone to commit treason.”

Led in examination by his defense lawyer, Ady Macauley, Kamara recounted his extensive service history, which began when he joined the police force in 2004. Kamara described his assignments, including his deployment as an armed guard at the residence of former President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah from 2005 to 2007. He continued his duties under former President Ernest Bai Koroma from 2007 to 2018, following specialized training as a close protection officer.

Kamara’s testimony detailed his responsibilities, which included coordinating security for the former president and managing communications with other security personnel. He described the team stationed at Koroma’s Makeni residence, comprising police officers and military personnel, including Sergeant Ibrahim Thorley Bangura and Corporal Yapoo Sesay.

According to Kamara, his arrest on December 2, 2023, followed an invitation by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Samadia to Teko Barracks. Kamara recounted being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Freetown after being summoned for further questioning.

Kamara firmly denied all allegations, explaining that his interactions with his colleagues, including phone calls and communications, were strictly work-related. He acknowledged his familiarity with the accused, Corporal Yapoo Sesay and others, but maintained that his contacts with them had no connection to the events of November 26, 2023, the date of the alleged coup attempt.

During cross-examination, Kamara addressed the prosecution’s evidence, including his call logs and statements. He clarified that his calls to Inspector Sorieba Mansaray and Corporal Yapoo Sesay were routine and unrelated to any conspiracy. Kamara also testified that he had no knowledge of the alleged plot and had no involvement in any treasonous activities.

“I will never conspire with anyone to plot a coup as a police officer. I only serve the government of the day,” Kamara declared in court.

The trial, presided over by Justice Komba Kamanda, continues as the defense presents its case. The charges against Kamara and his co-accused have drawn significant public attention, highlighting the complexities and challenges in addressing allegations of treason within the nation’s security forces.