By Janet A. Sesay
Twelve lawyers have shown readiness to represent former President Ernest Bai Koroma who is answering to a charge in a magistrate court in Freetown.
He was standing trial before the court on four count charges of treason, misprision of treason and harbouring.
The charge sheet indicated that Ernest Bai Koroma on diverse dates between 5 and 26 November, 2023 in Sierra Leone prepared to overthrow the government by unlawful means.
The charge sheet indicated that Ernest Bai Koroma between 20th  and 25th  November, 2023 in preparedness to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone harboured Soriba Mansaray, Yapo Sesay, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura, Sergeant 10020 Emmanuel Salifu Kamara and Kabba Dumbuya in his premises.
The former President now an accused person took no plea when the charges were read and explain to him.
Lead prosecutor, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lamin Tarawalie informed the court that the witnesses were present in court and would like them to testify.
Magistrate Bangura told the state prosecutor that the day was far gone and advised them to take a date which was agreed by the prosecution and defence counsels.
The former President was granted bail, and the matter adjourned to 17th January.