At the Criminal session of the High Court Alie Badara Kanu alias Captain Makeni and Thaimu Bangura are standing trial before Justice Momoh Jah Stevens at High Court No.1 on two count charges to wit treason contrary to section 3 (1) (a) of the Treason and State Offences Act 1963 Act No.10 of 1963 as repealed and replaced by the Treason and State Offences Amendment Act 1963 Act No.21 of 1963 and Misprision of Treason.

According to the particulars of offence, on a date unknown between 24th June, 2023 and 29th June, 2024 in Freetown prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.

Count two on the indictment states that on a date unknown between the 1st January and 16th April, 2024 in Freetown, the accused well knowing that Captain Senesie, Captain John Conteh alias Caesar and other persons unknown had prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means, unlawfully concealed the said information.

When the charges were read and explained to the accused, no plea taken.

The State Prosecutor Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq., tendered consent for the institution of prosecution against Alie Badara Kanu alias Captain Makeni and Thaimu Bangura, and the said consent was given pursuant to section 1 and 2 of the Treason and State Offences Act 1963 Act No.10 of 1963 as amended. He further stated that the concept was given even before the consent of the criminal investigation dated 9th August, 2024 under the hand of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. The consent was tendered in court and marked as Exhibit A.

Justice Stevens replied that if there’s no concept then the trial is faulty.

After the concept was tendered the twelve Jurors were called, no objection was made by the accused persons who told the Judge that they are pleased with them to be part of the trial they swore in court.

The State Prosecutor Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq., gave a brief open address and background of the matter to the jurors that the accused have been charged with the above offence.

The accused were represented by I. Bangura and E. Sunders Esq., from the Legal Aid Board. The lead Counsel Ibrahim Bangura Esq., made application on behalf of the accused that the offences charged are serious and that they will not interfere with prosecution witness or witnesses nor will they jump bail and are innocent until proven guilty. He said if the accused were granted bail they will have proper conference with them.

He made his application pursuant to Section 79 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.

The State Prosecutor Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq., opposed to the bail based on the seriousness of the offences charged.

Justice Stevens refused bail based on the seriousness of the allegations and assured the fundamental human rights of the accused are preserved and that he will treat the matter impartially. He adjourned the matter to 3rd March, 2025.