By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – 29 May 2025 – The treason trial of Joseph Dumbuya and Ahmed Turay continued at Pademba Road Court No. 1, as key police officers testified regarding their alleged involvement in the failed coup attempt of 26 November 2023.
State prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay informed the court that the Attorney General and Minister of Justice had approved the prosecution under Section 1(2) of the Treason and State Offenses Act No. 10 of 1963, as amended.
Testimonies from Police Witnesses
Police Officer Gibrilla Kanu, attached to the Operational Support Division, testified that on the morning of November 26, 2023, he and fellow officers were deployed to Pademba Road Prison following reports of an attack. Upon arrival, they came under heavy fire from armed assailants.
According to Kanu, the attackers ordered police officers to surrender their weapons, with one assailant wielding an RPG and threatening to fire. The officers resisted but were eventually overpowered. Kanu also testified that Colonel Senesie addressed them, questioning their salaries, healthcare, and children’s education, before urging them to join the rebels in “cleaning the city.”
Kanu further stated that he witnessed the first accused, Joseph Dumbuya, wearing a white shirt and holding an AK-47 rifle, while Amadu Koita ordered the release of prisoners. The assailants forced their way into the correctional facility, encouraging inmates to escape, before disappearing.
Another witness, Police Officer Saidu Kamara, corroborated Kanu’s testimony, detailing how his unit was dispatched to the prison following orders from Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joe Kamanda Bonjay.
Criminal Investigations and Evidence Submission
Sergeant 8974 Solomon Amadu, attached to the Criminal Investigations Department, confirmed that Joseph Dumbuya was arrested on 2 April 2025 on charges of treason and related offenses. He stated that authorities retrieved Dumbuya’s mobile phone, which was handed over to cyber analysts.
Amadu further testified that CCTV footage of the failed coup attempt on 26 November 2023 was presented to the accused during investigations. He also tendered statements from Dumbuya and confirmed that the accused was officially charged with treason and murder.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The defense counsel, Chernor Kamara, cross-examined all witnesses. However, Magistrate Patrick Fofanah denied bail for the accused and adjourned the case to Monday, June 2, 2025.
Dumbuya and Turay face two counts under Sections 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offenses Act of 1963 and Section 1 of the Offenses Against the Person Act of 1861.
The charge sheet alleges that between 11 and 26 November 2023, the accused conspired to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means, seizing military facilities, attacking the Sierra Leone Correctional Center, and unlawfully releasing inmates.
Additionally, the accused are charged with the murder of Correctional Officer Obi Isaac Johnson during the coup attempt.
The trial continues as the prosecution presents further evidence.