By Fatima Kpaka
Two men accused of treason in connection to the November 2023 coup attempt and subsequent murder have been committed to the High Court for trial. Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah of Pademba Road Court No.1 made the ruling on June 10, 2025, following preliminary investigations into their alleged crimes.
The accused, Joseph Dumbuya and Ahmed Turay, face charges under Section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offenses Act of 1963 (as amended) and Section 1 of the Offenses Against the Person Act of 1861 for murder. Prosecutors allege that between November 11 and November 26, 2023, the pair conspired to seize key locations, including military installations and government facilities.
The situation escalated on November 26 when the accused reportedly led an attack on the Sierra Leone Correctional Center, unlawfully freeing inmates and allegedly murdering Correctional Officer Obi Isaac Johnson.
Magistrate Jah ruled that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the case after reviewing testimony from four witnesses presented by Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay, who were cross-examined by defense counsel Chernor Kamara. The accused declined to make further statements and indicated they had no witnesses to support their defense, stating, “Allah is our witness.”
With the case now forwarded to the High Court, further legal proceedings will determine their fate.