Leather Boot’s Role in the November 26 Coup Confirmed
Contrary to previous reports, new evidence presented during the court martial trial has confirmed that Idrissa Ahmid Kamara, also known as Leather Boot, was actively involved in the planning and execution of the failed November 26, 2023, coup.
This revelation challenges
earlier narratives that claimed Leather Boot was arrested at his home and later
shot at Murray Town Barracks.
According to the prosecution, Leather Boot participated in a juju ceremony with other coup plotters at Mapaki Village, located in Paki Masabong Chiefdom, Bombali District. The ceremony was intended to fortify the participants against gunshots in preparation for the coup.
Leather Boot was also present at the Joint Logistics Unit (JLU) headquarters on
the day of the coup, where he was involved in a shootout that resulted in the
deaths of two soldiers.
The trial, which involved Staff Sergeant Alhaji
Koroma and 26 others, concluded with Koroma receiving a 30-year prison sentence
for his role in the coup. The evidence presented at the trial has provided a
clearer picture of Leather Boot’s involvement in the events leading up to the
coup and the circumstances of his death.
Court Martial Trial: Episode 5 - Was
Leather Boot Part of the November 26 Coup?
In Episode 4 of the ongoing coverage of the court-martial, we promised to reveal what each accused individual who visited the
Mapaki Village herbalist had to say about the juju ceremony during the trial.
We also promised to share several photos of the various scenes from the
ceremony. However, we will withhold those details for the next episode.
In this episode, we focus on the question:
"Was Leather Boot part of the November 26 Coup?"
Following Leather Boot’s death on the day of the coup, deliberate falsehoods circulated, claiming that he had been arrested at his home and taken to Murray Town Barracks, where he was shot and killed.
However, the just-concluded court martial trial involving the State versus
Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma and 26 others has revealed the truth about Leather
Boot’s involvement in the coup and the circumstances leading to his death.
Among the 188 exhibits presented by the prosecution, one of the key pieces of evidence is a photograph that clearly identifies Leather Boot in a relaxed and confident mood at Mapaki Village after the juju ceremony.
This photo, which accompanies this episode, confirms Leather
Boot’s involvement in the coup and shows him alongside other accused
individuals, including the 1st accused, Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma, Amadu
Koita, Captain MA Jalloh, and others.
Details from the 1st Accused:
In his voluntary cautioned statement, the 1st
accused, Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma, revealed that on the evening of Friday,
November 24, 2023, they visited the herbalist, Pa Sesay, in Mapaki Village. Pa
Sesay provided them with charms and belts to be used during the coup operation.
Koroma further disclosed that between 7:00 PM and
8:00 PM on Saturday, November 25, 2023, they left for Lungi intending to acquire more arms and ammunition. However, their plans were thwarted by
Major MD Gbow, who vigilantly denied them access to the arms and ammunition
stores. Frustrated, they traveled to Freetown by ferry, with Captain MA Jalloh
purchasing the tickets.
In Freetown, they were received by Sergeant
Janneh, who escorted them into the Headquarters of the Joint Logistics Unit (HQ
JLU). Koroma, along with Leather Boot and the 12th accused, Corporal Alie
Kamara, alias Charma Raw, were locked in a small building while the others left
for Wilberforce Barracks.
On the day of the coup, a soldier discovered their hiding place and raised the alarm. In response, Leather Boot hastily grabbed a rifle and began shooting sporadically in an attempt to escape.
Koroma
tried to escape as well, but he found Leather Boot lying on the ground with
blood oozing from his leg. Koroma took Leather Boot’s rifle, jumped over the
fence, and hid in the neighborhood in Murray Town. He was eventually arrested
two days later.
Testimonies from the Trial:
During the trial, the prosecution presented 37
witnesses. One of the key witnesses, referred to as the 22nd Prosecution
Witness (PW 22), testified about the events that unfolded on the day of the
coup.
According to PW 22, in the afternoon of the coup,
a group of military personnel arrived at HQ JLU and arrested the 6th accused,
Corporal Edward Koroma, alias Smallie. When interrogated, Smallie confessed
that he had been invited from Lungi by Sergeant Janneh to join the coup.
Acting on a tip-off about suspicious activity in
the building occupied by Sergeant Janneh, PW 22 and his team moved to search
the premises. As they approached the building, Leather Boot emerged and shot
Corporal Sam Kabba and Sergeant Thomas Rogers, killing both of them.
Amidst the sporadic shooting, the 1st accused,
Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma, and the 12th accused, Corporal Alie Kamara,
attempted to escape. Kamara jumped into a hole but was arrested, while Koroma
managed to evade capture until his arrest two days later.
Charges and Sentencing:
The 1st accused, Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma,
faced 20 counts, including Mutiny, Conspiracy to Commit Mutiny, Failure to
Suppress Mutiny, Communicating with the Enemy, Aiding the Enemy, Murder,
Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Stealing of Public or Service Property, Fraudulent
Misapplication of Public or Service Property, and Conduct Prejudicial to
Military Discipline. Koroma pleaded guilty to nine of the charges. In the
interest of a speedy trial, the prosecution dropped the remaining 11 charges,
and Koroma was sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison.
This court martial trial has shed light on the
significant role Leather Boot played in the November 26 coup and has dispelled
the false narratives surrounding his death. As the trial continues, further
details about the other accused individuals and their involvement in the coup
will be revealed.
The outcome of this trial is being closely
monitored by both national and international observers, as it represents a
critical moment in the Sierra Leone Armed Forces’ efforts to uphold the rule of
law and maintain discipline within its ranks.
For more information, contact:
Major Yayah Brima, Headquarters, Joint Force
Command, Cockerill Barracks, Freetown Phone/WhatsApp: 078 452 876