A Sierra Leone court-martial has sentenced a first person in connection with what authorities called an attempted coup last November, a government spokesperson said.
Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma had pleaded guilty to nine charges at the court-martial before being sentenced to 30 years in prison on Monday, said Ministry of Defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Issa Bangura.
The charges included “conspiracy to commit mutiny, mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, aiding the enemy, communicating with the enemy, stealing public service or property, and conduct to the prejudice of military discipline,” he added.
Koroma becomes the inaugural individual among the 27 accused of plotting a coup to be found guilty.
On November 26, armed assailants launched an attack on a military arsenal, two barracks, two penitentiaries, and two police precincts, engaging in confrontations with security personnel.
The violent incident resulted in the deaths of twenty-one individuals and the escape of numerous prisoners, prompting authorities to classify it as an attempted coup orchestrated by elements within the armed forces.
Approximately 80 individuals, predominantly military personnel, were apprehended in connection with the disturbances.
Former Sierra Leonean president, Ernest Bai Koroma, faced charges of treason and other offences related to his alleged involvement in the coup.
In January, Koroma obtained authorisation from the judiciary to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment.
Although his trial was slated to recommence in Sierra Leone on March 27, Koroma’s whereabouts remain in Nigeria, as confirmed by his associates.
