The preliminary investigations on the treason matter came up on Monday 9th June 2025.
It was presided over by Magistrate Mustapha Braima-Jah of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 1 with prime suspects being Joseph Dumbuya and Ahmed Sesay.
The accused persons were being investigated on charges of attempting to commit a treason and murder.
The witness Hassan Andrew Silas Kombay recounted that on 13th March 2025 he was on duty when the accused persons were arrested and brought to the CID headquarters in Freetown where he is attached to.
He added that statements were later obtained from the accused persons which he tendered in court.
While cross-examining the witness, Defence Counsel, Chernoh Kamara inquired to know whether the witness is aware that one of the accused persons was working with the Deputy Bank Governor and was also a businessman before being arrested.
On this question the witness, Kombay, answered yes.
After the cross examination State Prosecutor, Yusuf Isaac Sesay made their position before the court that they had led four witnesses and that they were relying on the evidence being adduced before the court.
Magistrate Mustapha Braima-Jah adjourned the matter to Tuesday 10th June 2025 for its continuation.
Another similar matter was being investigated between the State vs Sallieu Jalloh for offences bordering on state treason and misprison of treason.
State Prosecutor, Yusuf Isaac Sesay applied for the accused person Sallieu Jalloh to be prosecuted based on the consent of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Magistrate Mustapha Braima-Jah ruled in the Prosecution’s favour.
The witness Hassan Andrew Silas Kombay said he could recall on 13th March 2025 when the accused person was brought to the CID Headquarters after being arrested in Makeni.
Defence Counsel, Komba Kassie-Gborie cross-examined the witness whether the accused person, Sallieu Jalloh was among the list of persons declared as wanted and he denied this.
The accused persons in both matters are currently being investigated in courts for attempting to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone led by President Julius Maada Bio by breaking into the male and female correctional centres and for unlawfully releasing inmates and for destroying the prison facilities.