Former military officer Sallieu Jalloh 52 appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown charged with conspiring to unlawfully overthrow the government of Sierra Leone.

Detective Police Officer Hassan Cummings told the court that Jalloh voluntarily signed a caution statement admitting his involvement in the alleged plot.

Jalloh faces two charges: treason, contrary to section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offences Act No. 10 of 1963, and misprision of treason, contrary to law.

According to the prosecution, between 1st January 2024 and 13th March 2025, Jalloh conspired with Captain Aiah Aba Senessie, Sergeant Bangura of Waterloo, retired Sergeant Kamara and others to procure AK-47 rifles to overthrow the government.

He is further accused of contacting security personnel and civilians to help obtain firearms and ammunition. On 8th March, 2024, Jalloh allegedly instructed Sandy Sesay and his men to be on standby for an “imminent power transition.”

The indictment also alleges that from 26th November 2023 to 26th November 2024, Jalloh concealed treasonous acts by Captain Senessie and others. No plea was taken during the hearing.

Defense Counsel cross-examined the witness

Hassan Andrew Silas Combey Detective Police Officer 1818, attached to the CID headquarters. During the investigation, the accused stated he was not in Freetown. Combey responded that the accused had told him he was traveling.

When asked if he investigated whether the accused was in Freetown, Combey confirmed that he did.

The defense also asked if, during the investigation, the accused was communicating and planning with others to overthrow the government, Combey replied affirmatively.

He was also asked if the accused’s plan involved physical meetings, to which Combey again replied affirmatively.

When asked if he visited those locations, Combey replied no.

The prosecutor, Yusif Isaac Sesay, stated that he wished to close the prosecution’s case due to sufficient evidence gathered against the accused person.

In the interest of justice, the bench submitted that the matter should not be delayed, noting that such a matter should be handled by the High Court. Magistrate Mustapha Braima Jah therefore ordered Jalloh to be remanded at the male Correctional Center. The matter was adjourned for committal.