Suspects in Treason and Murder Case Referred to High Court Amid Allegations of Government Overthrow Plot

Joseph Dumbuya and Ahmed Turay, charged with treason and murder in connection to an alleged scheme to seize key government sites and compromise national security, have been committed to the High Court of Freetown for trial following their initial hearing in Magistrate Court.

The defendants face significant charges after purported violent incidents that led to the unlawful release of inmates and the death of a prison officer.

The accused appeared before Principal Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah at Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 on Tuesday.

They are charged with treason, under Section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offenses Act of 1963 (as amended), and murder, under Section 1 of the Offenses Against the Person Act of 1861.

The indictment claims that between November 11 and November 26, 2023, Dumbuya and Turay conspired with others to take control of critical strategic locations.

These sites include military installations and government facilities such as the 5th Battalion Wilberforce Barracks, the Joint Force Command Headquarters at Cockeril, the 3rd Infantry Brigade in Murray Town, the Sierra Leone Correctional Center, and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation in New England Ville.

The situation escalated on November 26, when the accused allegedly launched a violent attack on the correctional center. During this assault, they reportedly released inmates unlawfully and fatally attacked Correctional Officer Obi Isaac Johnson.

In his ruling, Magistrate Jah explained that the defendants are charged with treason for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone through unlawful acts.

He noted that a preliminary investigation had been completed, with the prosecution, led by Yusuf I. Sesay Esq., presenting four witnesses. The witnesses were cross-examined by the defense counsel, C. Kamara Esq.

After reviewing the evidence, Magistrate Jah expressed confidence in the prosecution’s case, stating that the defendants had sufficient opportunity to examine the evidence and testimonies presented.

Consequently, he committed Joseph Dumbuya and Ahmed Turay to stand trial at the High Court of Freetown.

When given the opportunity to make statements, the defendants deferred to their legal counsel.

They announced that they had no witnesses to call but stated, “Allah is our witness.”

The case is now set to proceed to the High Court for further legal proceedings.