Alhaji Koroma, a soldier in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), entered a plea of guilty and was given a thirty-year prison sentence for the failed coup attempt on November 26. Koroma was put on trial before a Court Martial in Freetown along with 27 other military personnel. The accused was facing a total of 88 charges.
Numerous offences were included in the charges, such as mutiny, aiding the enemy, speaking with them, stealing government property, and even murder. The extent of their alleged involvement in the attempted coup, which sought to topple the government, was made clear by the court martial proceedings.
Koroma entered a plea of guilty to six counts of aiding and abetting, communication with the enemy, and mutiny during the trial. He apologized and expressed regret to President Julius Maada Bio as well as the court. According to Koroma, he was forced to carry out the deeds against his will.
Koroma cried and begged for forgiveness in court, but he was sentenced to thirty years in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy, mutiny, and other related charges. Rather than telling his kids the truth about his sentence, he asked his wife to tell their kids that he had to leave.
Koroma’s sentence serves as a harsh lesson in what happens when someone attempts to overthrow the government without permission. It is now clear from the court’s ruling that this type of behaviour is unacceptable in Sierra Leone and that those who engage in it will suffer serious consequences.
