Lance Corporal Abu Bakarr Koroma, also known as ‘Opanday,’ was acquitted and discharged by the Legal Aid Board following a lengthy court-martial over the attempted coup on November 26. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in a trial that has spanned seven months and involved a total of 27 soldiers.
Koroma, the 18th accused in the case, was released after the Board’s legal team proved that he had Certified Insanity. This critical finding influenced the court’s decision to acquit him, distinguishing his case from that of his 25 fellow soldiers, who were found guilty and sentenced to 80 to 120 years in prison.
The court session, held at the Cockerill Military Headquarters, brought an end to the long legal battle involving the accused soldiers. Koroma was the only one of the eleven military personnel represented by the Legal Aid Board to be acquitted, while the others faced various penalties for their roles in the coup attempt.
Legal Aid Counselors Ibrahim Bangura, Mustapha Dauda, and Olu Garber provided dedicated representation throughout the trial, earning praise from the Board’s Executive Director, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles. She expressed her relief and happiness at Koroma’s acquittal, emphasizing the importance of helping him reintegrate into society. Ms. Carlton-Hanciles urged both governmental and non-governmental organizations to help Koroma make a smooth transition back to civilian life, emphasizing the importance of community support during such difficult times.
