27 soldiers face charges of mutiny and more
By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
27 military personnel were in court martial on Monday morning in the capital Freetown. They faced the court in connection with the November 26 coup attempt.
Together they faced 88 count charges ranging from mutiny to overthrow the government, aiding the enemy, stealing of public or service property, fraudulent misapplication of public or service property and murder.
The matter was presided over by Judge Advocate Marke Ngeba whiles the 27 accused were represented by battery of Lawyers. The State is represented by Director of Prosecution, Lawyer Osman Kanu.
This comes as a significant step in the judicial process in the aftermath of the November 26 “failed coup attempt” that left 18 serving personnel dead. In separate trials, civilians who have been accused were arraigned last week, including the former President, Ernest Bai Koroma.
All 27 military personnel were present when the charges were read in court, one of them fell ill and had to be taken away for treatment, No pleas were taken from the accused.
During Monday’s proceedings one of the Lawyers of the Defense tried to get reprieve for one his clients (9th accused).
Representing the 9th accused person and over 15 other accused persons, Lawyer I. Bangura informed the court that the 9th accused person is suffering from epilepsy.
In replying, Lawyer Joseph A. K. Sesay for the State objected to the point raised by the defence for the 9th accused, and urged the court to discountenance the application of Lawyer Bangura.
The Judge Advocate, Mark Ngegba dismissed the said objection in the absence of any medical evidence/report before the court in respect of the medical condition of the 9th accused.
The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, 10th January and none of them were granted bail.
Before the adjournment, Judge Ngegba admonished journalists against reporting inaccurately and bloggers on running commentary on the trial.
