By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In the ongoing Court Martial Trial related to the attempted coup on November 26th, 2023, Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma, the first accused (RSLAF/18171601), entered a guilty plea for mutiny and civil offences during the proceedings yesterday before the Judge Advocate and seven Board Members.
While Staff Sergeant Koroma pleaded guilty to the mutiny and civil offences, he denied the remaining charges read to him by the Court Clerk. In a plea for mercy, he informed the court that he was coerced by certain individuals to commit the act.
On the contrary, the other 26 accused, appearing in their military regalia with family members in attendance, denied the allegations. Their respective lawyers, on January 8th, 2024, entered pleas of not guilty to the 88 charges on their behalf.
During the session, State Prosecutor Joseph A.K Sesay requested an amendment to correct certain mistakes in the charge sheet concerning the 3rd, 4th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 25th, and 27th accused individuals. However, Lawyer Julian Cole, representing the 17th accused, objected, arguing that such amendments could introduce fresh charges against his client.
In response, Lawyer J.A.K Sesay emphasized that the defence failed to cite any law preventing such amendments, clarifying that they were not introducing new charges but rectifying clerical mistakes. The Judge Advocate, Marke Ngegba, ruled in favour of the prosecution, stating that the proposed amendments did not create injustice to the accused persons.
The matter has been adjourned to Friday, January 12, 2024. MJB/11/1/2024