Court Martial Hears Testimonies of Two Key Witnesses in Mutiny and Treason Trial
Lieutenant Colonel Momoh Emmanuel Luseni took the stand on Thursday, 18th January 2024, during the court martial trial at the High Court, leading Lieutenant Jewel Augustine Koroma in evidence on behalf of the Prosecution team. The trial involves twenty-seven (27) serving military personnel facing charges of mutiny and treason, all contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
Lieutenant Colonel Luseni, the Commanding Officer at the Quick Reaction Force Command at the Joint Force Command in Cockrill, Freetown, recognized the accused and recalled events between the 25th and 26th of November, 2023. He detailed receiving instructions to assemble his officers and embarking on a night patrol at the Mile 13 checkpoint.
According to the witness, Lieutenant Tommy led the patrol team from Lumley to the Vice President Lodge and later to the 5 Battalion at Wilberforce, which was under attack. The patrol, including the accused Lieutenant Corporal Eustace Neka, was deployed at the 5 Battalion Gate. Witnessing a black Jeep at the entrance gate, the witness saw the gate close behind the vehicle, followed by an RPG blast.
Major Samba sustained injuries, prompting the witness to drive him back to the Vice President Lodge.
Another witness, Major John Kainessie, testified under the guidance of Colonel Lawyer Mohamed B.S. Kamara, the Acting Chief of Operations at the Headquarters of the Joint Force Command in Cockrill.
Major Kainessie provided insight into the period from the 1st to the 26th of November 2023 when Lieutenant Colonel Charles Yamba, now the 17th accused, was the Commanding Officer at 5 Battalion.
Major Kainessie confirmed the presence of arms and ammunition at 5 Battalion and described a phone call received on the 25th of November, instructing all staff to report. Patrols were organized under the orders of Lieutenant Colonel Samai, and Major General Alpha directed assistance from the Police Headquarters in Freetown.
On the early morning of the 26th of November 2023, Major Kainessie received a call from Lieutenant Colonel Sandy, conveying information about unknown gunmen breaking into the 5 Battalion store. The witness detailed his actions, including returning to the Police Headquarters and being informed of gunshots from the direction of Wilberforce.
Major Kainessie reported the intensifying gunshots at Cockrill barracks and mentioned the demand for an RPG by the fourth accused, Abu Dauda. He cautioned against issuing the weapon, as Dauda was not deployed at Cockrill but at the 15 Battalion in Lungi. The witness also identified the 19th accused, Sitta Dumbuya, who entered Cockrill but was searched and found without any security-threatening items.
Major Kainessie confirmed the looting of arms and ammunition based on returns documents from various battalions. The court martial proceedings will continue on the 19th of January 2024, with Lieutenant Jewel Augustine Koroma expected to provide further evidence.
