In the treason trial concerning the November incident that resulted in the deaths of several soldiers in Freetown, state lawyers have responded to the ‘no case’ submission presented by six defense lawyers on behalf of Koita and 11 other defendants.
Justice Komba Kamanda, overseeing the ongoing trial, will receive oral submissions from state prosecutors and defense counsels regarding the ‘no case’ submission.
On Thursday, June 13, 2024, six defense counsels submitted a ‘no case’ plea for their clients. The twelve defendants, including Amadu Koita Makalo, Bai Mahmoud Bangura (former youth minister), Ramatu Kamanda Conteh, Alimatu Hassan Bangura, Mohamed Woodie, and seven others, face trial for their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023.
The court is set to hear oral submissions from state prosecutors and defense counsels for the second, third, fourth, seventh, eighth, and ninth accused individuals on the next adjourned date.
Yusuf Isaac Sesay, the lead prosecutor for the state, informed the court that they had not yet received ‘no case’ submissions from the defense lawyers representing Mohamed Jalloh (second accused), Emmanuel Salifu Kamara (third accused), Ramatu Kamanda Conteh (fourth accused), Mohamed Woodie (seventh accused), Bai Mahmoud Bangura (eighth accused), and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ibrahim Sesay (ninth accused).
“My Lord, I confirm to this court that we have received ‘no case’ submissions from some defense counsels and have also responded to them,” Sesay stated.
During the trial, some defense counsels explained their delay in submitting oral arguments, citing the extensive evidence they needed to review.
The court has adjourned the case to Tuesday, June 18, 2024.