Court martial sentences sixth accused to 120 years

Court martial sentences sixth accused to 120 years

The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Court Martial has imposed a 120-year custodial sentence on Corporal Edward Koroma, alias "Smallie," the sixth accused, for his involvement in the attempted coup of 26 November 2023. This failed overthrow resulted in the fatalities of 18 loyal security personnel and two civilians.

The Court Martial proceedings, titled The State versus Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma and 26 Other Co-Accused, evaluated extensive evidence concerning multiple charges, including mutiny and murder. The prosecution's closing arguments successfully demonstrated that the assault was not an act of armed robbery but a meticulously coordinated operation intended to destabilize the government and eliminate security forces loyal to the state.

Key evidence presented included audio recordings in which Corporal Koroma advocated for the killing of security personnel who resisted the coup. Furthermore, photographic evidence placed the accused on the day of the attack, armed with Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs).

The coup plot involved coordinated attacks on Wilberforce, Cockerill, and Murray Town Barracks, as well as the Pademba Road Correctional Center, the country's central custodial facility, leading to the unauthorized release of over 2,000 inmates. The assailants included former and active security personnel, specifically named as Idrissa Hamid Kamara alias Leather Booth, Sorieba Mansaray, Kabbah Dumbuya, ASP Ibrahim Sesay, and Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura alias Tiger.

Tragically, three loyal security personnel were killed at the logistics facilities at Murray Town Barracks: Staff Sergeant Kelkifa Kelly Marrah, Sergeant Thomas Rogers, and Corporal Sam Kabba. In total, 18 security personnel from the RSLAF, Sierra Leone Police, and Sierra Leone Correctional Service lost their lives during the attempt. All deceased were honored with posthumous promotions during their respective funeral services.

The Court Martial further established that the sixth accused had conducted reconnaissance and intelligence gathering prior to the coup, operating under instructions to eliminate loyal troops at vital military logistics sites.

Corporal Koroma was convicted on all 14 counts brought against him, receiving the maximum permissible jail term of 120 years.

Other central findings from the trial confirmed that the assailants acted with a shared intent to overthrow President Julius Maada Bio and neutralize any security personnel who opposed their actions.

This sentence represents a pivotal outcome in the judicial process of holding those responsible for the 26 November 2023 coup attempt accountable.