AMADU Koita Makalo, a former bodyguard of Sierra Leone’s ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, has been found guilty of treason and sentenced to 182 years in prison. The verdict comes after his involvement in a failed coup attempt last year.
Makalo, also a former soldier, faced charges of treason, murder, and shooting with intent to murder following attacks by gunmen on a military barracks and prisons last November. These attacks occurred months after a contested election that saw President Julius Maada Bio narrowly secure a second term.
During the attacks, over 2,000 prisoners were freed, and at least 20 people were killed before the government regained control, describing the event as an attempted coup to overthrow the administration.
Makalo, known for his critical posts about the government on social networks, was identified as one of the coup plot organisers. During his sentencing on Monday, the judge noted Makalo showed no remorse throughout the trial. ‘The purpose of this sentence is to serve as a deterrent for people to know that coups or attempted coups to overthrow any legitimate government is no longer accepted,’ Judge Komba Kamanda stated, according to local newspaper Awoko.
Ten other individuals were also sentenced alongside Makalo, receiving prison terms ranging from 39 to 182 years. A judicial spokesman informed AFP news agency that the exact lengths of their sentences were not specified as the court documents were yet to be finalised.
In connection with the incident, at least 80 people, primarily military personnel, were arrested. In January, 12 individuals, including former police officers, were charged with treason and other offences.
Ernest Bai Koroma, who governed Sierra Leone for 11 years until 2018, was also charged with treason in January in connection with the coup attempt. He has denied the charges. Despite these charges, Koroma was permitted to travel to Nigeria on medical grounds but has not yet returned to Sierra Leone.
These developments highlight the ongoing political tension and legal battles following the failed coup, underscoring the government’s stance against any attempts to destabilize the nation.
