By Janet A Sesay
The treason charges against former military officer George Adams, was on Monday, 29th July, 2024 committed for trial at the High Court by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2.
He is alleged of taking part in the November 26 coup attempt.
Accused Adams was arrainged before the court on three counts charges of treason contrary to section 3 (1a) of the Treason and State Offences Act of 1963, mis-prison of treason contrary to law and murder contrary to section 1 of the Offenses Against the Persons Act 1861 as repealed and replaced by section (1a) of the Schedule of the Abolition of the Death Penalty Act 2022, Act No. 6 of 2022.
The indictment states that accused Adams on the 11th and 26th November 2023 in Sierra Leone, prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
The indictment further alleged that on the Overt Act, the accused between 5th to 26th November 2023, conspired with unknown persons to overthrow the government of Sierra by seizing and taking control of the 5th Infantry Battalion at Wilberforce Barracks, Cockerill headquarters, 3rd Infantry Brigade at Murray Town Barrack, the Sierra Leone Correctional Centres and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation in order to overthrow and take control of the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
It was further alleged that the accused on the 26th November 2023 conspired with other persons to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means and violently attacked, broke and opened the male and female Correctional Centers in Freetown and unlawfully released inmates from the said centers.
It was further alleged that the accused between 23rd to 25th November 2023 in Freetown, knowing that treason was been committed by Amadu Koita Makalo, Leather boot, Captain Jalloh, Sorieba Mansaray and other persons, unlawfully concealed the commission of the said treason.
The charge sheet further added that the accused on 26th November 2023, at the Pademba Road Correctional Center in Freetown murdered Obi Isaac Johnson.
When the matter was mentioned in court the State Prosecutor, Yusuf Isaac Sesay informed the court that it is the end of their case.
Magistrate Bangura in delivering his ruling said the totality of the evidence so far is adduced by the state.
He said he is satisfied that the prosecution has been able to establish a prima face case against the accused.
He therefore committed the matter to the High Court for further trial.