The presiding Judge Advocate for the Court Martial commencing today at the Law Court Building in Freetown, Justice Marke Ngegba, during the pre-trial hearing this week cautioned members of the Fourth Estate, social media bloggers and lawyers to be very mindful of the sacredness of the court and its proceedings.

The Judge Advocate emphasized that he would not hesitate to take action against anyone who goes against the laws that cover court proceedings.

The warning comes after some Sierra Leoneans responded to former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s charges of Treason, Misprision of Treason and two other charges of Habouring, expressing shock and disbelief.

The former President’s lawyer, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Esq., vehemently condemned the charges as an act that has cast a dark shadow over the nation, adding that the allegations were part of a political vendetta and that dragging a democratically elected former Head of State on such charges sets a dangerous precedent.

There are also vociferous journalists and media bloggers who have politicized the treason trial, claiming that former President Koroma is innocent of the charges proffered against him and described his alleged involvement in the November 26, 2023 failed coup attempt as a ploy by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to get rid of him.

Meanwhile, about twenty-seven (27) military officers are to be arraigned today before the Court Martial presided by the Judge Advocate, Justice Marke Ngegba, and seven Court Members who are military officers.

The accused will appear before the court to answer to 88 count charges including Mutiny, Aiding the Enemy, Failure to Suppress a Munity, Committing a Civilian Offence and Stealing of Public or Service Property among others in respect of their alleged involvement in the failed coup attempt of November 26, 2023.

In preparation ahead of today’s trial, a pre-trial hearing was conducted this week and directions given to both the Prosecution and the Defence.

The State is represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Osman Kanu, and a battery of Lawyers from the Law Officers’ Department and the Military while all accused were also represented by their respective lawyers.

Representing the 17th accused, Lawyer Julian Cole raised an objection pursuant to Section 89 of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone Act 1961as amended, which he argued “provides for the accused be grated the opportunity to object to any member of the court before the oath is administered to them.”

He emphasized that the defence is interested in the “wellbeing of the proceedings” which calls for “due process” to be followed.

Representing the 9th accused and over 15 other accused, Lawyer I. Bangura informed the court that the 9th accused is suffering from epilepsy.

In replying, Lawyer Joseph A. K. Sesay for the State objected to the point raised by the defence for the 9th accused, and urged the court to discountenance the application of Lawyer Bangura.

The matter was adjourned to today Wednesday 10th January, 2024 for arraignment and further proceedings.

Credit: Judiciary Communications unit.