By Alimatu Kargbo
Joseph Dumbuya 50th accused and Ahmed Turay 59th made their second appearance before Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 on Monday, 26thMay, 2025, facing serious allegations of conspiring with unknown individuals to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone through unlawful means.
The accused were arraigned on two counts: treason, contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offenses Act of 1963, as amended, and murder, contrary to Section 1 of the Offenses Against the Person Act of 1861.
According to the indictment, between 11th November and 26thNovember, 2023, in Freetown, Dumbuya and Turay allegedly conspired to seize control of key military and government facilities, including the 5thBattalion – Wilberforce Barracks, the Joint Force Command Headquarters at Cockeril, the 3rd Infantry Brigade in Murray Town, the Sierra Leone Correctional Center, and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation in New England Ville.
The indictment further alleges that on 26thNovember, 2023, the accused attempted to violently overthrow the government by breaking into the male and female correctional centers, unlawfully releasing inmates, and attacking the facilities.During these events, Officer Obi Isaac Johnson of the correctional center was reportedly killed.
Lead prosecutor Isaac YusifSesay requested an adjournment, noting that Counsel for the accused was absent. He stated, “Your Lordship, I received instructions from the Attorney General to proceed with the criminal investigation. We seek a speedy conclusion to this matter, as we understand the importance of due process.”
Bail was denied, and the case has been adjourned to Thursday, 29th May, 2025, for further proceedings. The court’s decision has left the community on the edge as the implications of these serious charges unfold.
