Magistrate Santigie Bangura has adjourned the Treason case of Ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma versus the state to 18th November, 2024.
The adjournment came after the defence failed to produce the Former President who had gone to Nigeria on medical grounds.
After it seems apparent that Koroma could not attend Wednesday’s court sitting, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Osman I Kanu and the defence counsel Saidu Bangura, held a closed door meeting with Magistrate Bangura, after which the matter was adjourned.
Koroma is facing four count charges of treason, misprision of treason and two counts of harbouring.
The indictment states that Ernest Bai Koroma on diverse dates between 5th and 26th November, 2023 in Sierra Leone, prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means.
Koroma was also accused of harbouring 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.
Police alleged that on 29th November, 2023 in Makeni knowing fully well that Soriba Mansaray, Ibrahim Thorlu Bangura and Yapo Sesay had prepared to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone by unlawful means, but unlawfully concealed the commission of the said treason.
It could be recalled that on January 17, 2024, Ernest Bai Koroma was granted permission at the High Court in Freetown, by Justice Samuel Taylor to depart Sierra Leone for Nigeria for urgent medical treatment.
This decision followed a successful bail review application submitted by his legal team, seeking a ninety-day allowance for his medical attention.
The defence Counsels representing Ernest Bai Koroma were at the High Court seeking an extension of time from the High Court for medical leave for the Former President in Nigeria.
