Lawyer Ady Macauley has expressed shock at the guilty verdict handed down to his clients, Emmanuel Salifu Kamara and ISP Ibrahim Sesay, in the high-profile treason trial.

The two men, former bodyguards of ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma, were among 11 individuals convicted for their involvement in the November 2023 attempted coup.

In an interview with Voice of America, Macauley contended that the verdict was contrary to the evidence presented during the trial. He specifically challenged the prosecution’s claim that Kamara was in communication with the assailants during the coup attempt. According to Macauley, a thorough examination of Kamara’s phone records by mobile operators revealed no calls to any of the alleged assailants on the day of the attack.

While declining to comment on the sentencing of the first accused, Amadu Koita, Macauley asserted that Koita was never a bodyguard to former President Koroma.

Regarding the legal proceedings against ex-President Koroma, Macauley stated that the case is currently in the preliminary stages at the Magistrate Court. The trial is expected to be transferred to the High Court for the main proceedings.

The former president, who is currently receiving medical treatment in Nigeria, will return to Sierra Leone to face the charges, Macauley added.

The guilty verdict and subsequent sentencing have sent shockwaves through the nation, with the convicted individuals facing lengthy prison terms.