Freetown, Sierra Leone – Twelve individuals, including a former bodyguard of ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma, stand accused of treason in connection with the November coup attempt that shook Sierra Leone. The charges, announced on Tuesday, cast a new shadow over the violent incident that left over 20 dead and 2,200 prisoners free.
The accused appeared before a magistrate in the capital Freetown, with the Information Ministry confirming they include ex-police officers, correctional officers, and Amadu Koita, a one-time member of Koroma’s security detail. The ministry also hinted at further charges to come in the days ahead.
This development adds a layer of intrigue to the November events, raising questions about potential connections between Koroma and the coup plotters. While Koroma publicly condemned the attacks, the inclusion of his former bodyguard among the accused fuels speculation about deeper involvement.
The November 26th attack saw gunmen target a military barracks, a prison, and other key locations, unleashing chaos and bloodshed. The government has previously linked the plot primarily to Koroma’s bodyguards, and Koroma himself was summoned for questioning in December as part of the ongoing investigation.
This story is still developing, and we will continue to update it as more information becomes available.