Six Military Officers Sentenced For Attempting To Overthrow President Bio
Six military personnel have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being found guilty of engaging in subversive activities aimed at toppling President Julius Maada Bio.
The convictions, handed down by a Court Martial on February 12, 2025, come after two failed attempts to overthrow the government in 2023.
The first attempt, foiled on July 29, 2023, was a coordinated effort involving military personnel and civilians plotting to unseat the president just weeks after his re-election. A second attempt on November 26, 2023, turned violent when coup plotters attacked security forces, resulting in the brutal deaths of 18 security personnel and two civilians.
The convicted officers—Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay, Major Juana Kabbah, Major Foday Sumana Kamara, Major Ibrahim Abu Bakarr Bangura, Lieutenant Zainab Amara Suwu, and Corporal Mohamed Koroma—were arrested in 2024. Some had been on the run, while others had escaped detention during the November coup.
Following their trial, they were found guilty on multiple charges, including mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, and desertion. Sentences ranged from 50 to 75 years in prison.
The prosecution, led by 15 lawyers, presented 16 witnesses and 47 exhibits to prove the charges. The defense team, comprising seven lawyers, argued against the state’s case, but all six officers were ultimately convicted.
The verdict marks a decisive moment in Sierra Leone’s efforts to curb instability. Meanwhile, another trial involving seven additional military officers accused in the November coup is set to continue on February 13, 2025.
