Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leonean authorities have formally charged 12 individuals with treason in connection to the failed coup attempt that took place on November 26, 2023.
The accused, including a member of former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s security detail, were arraigned before a magistrate in the capital, Freetown, on Tuesday.
The attack involved gunmen targeting a military barracks, a prison, and other locations, resulting in the release of approximately 2,200 inmates and the death of over 20 people. The authorities later characterized the incident as an attempt to overthrow the government.
The Information Ministry released a statement on Tuesday confirming the charges and identifying the accused, which include former police and correctional officers, along with Amadu Koita, a former bodyguard of ex-President Koroma.
The statement from the ministry indicated, “Other accused persons are expected to be charged in the coming days.”
As of now, there has been no immediate response or comments from Amadu Koita or his legal representatives.
The government had previously asserted that the failed coup was primarily led by members of Koroma’s bodyguards. Former President Koroma, who promptly condemned the attacks in a statement, was summoned for questioning in December as part of the ongoing police investigation.
