The matter between the state against Joseph Dumbuya and Ahmed Turay has been adjourned again in court due to the absence of defense counsel in the matter.

The matter came up on Monday 26th May, 2025 before Magistrate Patrick Fofanah of the Pademba Road Court No.1.

Joseph Dumbuya (50) and Ahmed Turay (59) are facing serious allegations of conspiring with unknown persons to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.

The accused were arraigned on two counts of treason, contrary to section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offenses Act of 1963 and murder, contrary to section 1 of the Offenses Against the Persons Act of 1861.

The indictment state that the accused between November 11 and November 26, 2023, in Freetown, Dumbuya and Turay allegedly conspired with other persons unknown to seize and take control of the of government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.

The charge sheet furthered that the accused also seized 5th Battalion at Wilberforce Barracks, the Joint Forces Command Headquarters at Cockeril, the 3rd Infantry Brigade Murray Town, the Sierra Leone Correctional Center, and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation at New Englandville.

The indictment also alleges that the accused on November 26, 2023, attempted to violently overthrow the government by breaking into the male and female correctional centers, unlawfully releasing inmates, and attacking the facilities.

The charge sheet further stated that the accused also murdered Obi Isaac Johnson, officer of the correctional center.

During proceedings, the prosecutor Isaac Yusuf Sesay requested an adjournment due to the absence of defense counsel Chernor Kamara.

He further informed the court that he received instructions from the Attorney General that the matter should be tried speedily.

Bail was denied, and the case has been adjourned to Thursday, May 29th, 2025, for further proceedings.