By Janet A. Sesay
The treason matter between the State and former President Ernest Bai Koroma has been adjourned to March 2025 for continuation. The matter is before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2.
Former President Koroma was arraigned before the court on four count charges ranging from treason, misprison of treason and two counts of harboring contrary to the law of Sierra Leone.
The indictment states that Ernest Bai Koroma on diverse dates between November 5th and 26th November, 2023 in Sierra Leone prepared to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
The charge sheet further stated that Ernest Bai Koroma, between 20th and 25th November, 2023 harbored Soriba Mansaray, Yapo Sesay, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura, Sergeant 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara and Kabba Dumbuya in his premises in preparedness to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone.
It further states that Ernest Bai Koroma, on 29th November, 2023 in Makeni, well knowing that Soriba Mansaray, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura and Yapo Sesay had prepared to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means by unlawfully concealing the commission of the said treason.
Meanwhile, the former President on January 17th 2024 was granted permission at the High Court in Freetown, by Justice Samuel Taylor to depart Sierra Leone to Nigeria for urgent medical treatment.
This decision follows a successful bail review application submitted by his legal team, seeking a 90-days allowance for his medical attention.
The Defense Counsels representing Ernest Bai Koroma were at the High Court seeking an extension of time from the high Court on the medical leave of the former President in Nigeria.
Both Prosecution and Defense Counsels did not appear in court for the matter to be mentioned. Magistrate Bangura however adjourned the matter to March 2025.