Court Martial: Soldier pleads guilty and begs for mercy
By Hafsatu Z Bangura and Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
The court martial of 27 military officers who were allegedly involved in the November 26 coup attempt took a dramatic twist on Wednesday, as the first accused took to the stand and plead for mercy after confessing about his involvement in the plot.
Addressing the Judge, the accused said: ” I am guilty of the crime, I was used sir. I did not want to do it and I did it not with all my heart. I am begging for mercy, I don’t want to waste the court’s time. I am apologizing to this court and the President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, for him to forgive me” he said.
First accused is this case is Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma and he is represented by Lawyer Ibrahim Bangura from the the Legal Aid Board.
Sgt. Koroma and his 26 colleagues are facing a total of 88 count charges including Mutiny, Aiding the Enemy, Failure to Suppress a Mutiny, Committing a Civilian Offence, Stealing of Public or Service Property and Murder,all of which was read out to them earlier this week.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Koroma admitted to count 1; committing a civil offence contrary to section 72(1) of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone Act, 1961 (Act No.34 of 1961) (As Ammended) to wit conspiracy to commit mutiny contrary to law.
He also admitted to count two; Mutiny, contrary to section 37 (1) (a) of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone Act, 1961(Act No.34 of 1961), (As Amended).
He also pleaded guilty to count 10; failure to suppress mutiny contrary to section 38 (b) of the armed forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone Act (act no.34 of 1961). In total he pleaded guilty to eight charges.
The court martial proceedings which is presided by Judge Advocate, Marke Ngegba and seven Court Members who are Military Officers was adjourned for Friday, 12th January.
