The ongoing court martial trial of 27 soldiers from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) recently took a dramatic turn with the presentation of audio-visual evidence.

A prosecution witness, a cyber analyst from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), testified and presented a flash drive containing various materials including WhatsApp audio recordings, call logs, voice notes and CCTV footage. While the CCTV recordings were not shown due to the adjournment of the court, the prosecution played excerpts of audio retrieved from the accused soldiers’ phones. These recordings, allegedly captured before, during and after the failed coup attempt on Sunday 26th November, 2023, were played in court.

Reports are that the audio recordings were captured from the accused soldiers discussing and celebrating the planned overthrow of the “SLPP Government” that same night.

The graphic details in the audio reportedly left relatives of the accused soldiers in tears.
This emotional response suggests that the presented evidence may be undermining previous claims of innocence by the defendants.

Magistrate Mark Ngegba, the presiding Judge Advocate, adjourned the court to last Thursday, when the prosecution was expected to present the highly anticipated video evidence obtained from the prison facility where a photo of the key suspect, Koita, was taken.

All 27 defendants are represented by a team of lawyers, including those from the Legal Aid Board (LAB). J.A.K. Sesay Esq. continues to prosecute the case on behalf of the State.