By Saio Marrah
A Whatsapp audio sent by the ninth accused, Idrissa Kallon played in court, revealed the accused said they would be attacking the lodge of President Julius Madda Bio on the night of 25th November 2023.
In the ongoing court martial trying 27 soldiers in connection to the November 26 failed coup, it was revealed that Kallon was communicating with his colleague soldier, Staff Sergeant Kellie Marah attached to the Forces Intelligence Security Unit (FISU).
The Whatsapp conversation was played back by the 26th prosecution witness, Detective Inspector Mohamed Jusu on Wednesday 20th March 2024, while being led in evidence by state lawyer, Joseph A.K. Sesay.
The accused was heard telling Marah that things would change for the better when they were done with their operation and that he would not keep such a secret from him (Marah) because he considered him his brother.
Jusu, a cyber-analyst at the Criminal Investigation Department further played another Whatsapp conversation of Edward Koroma alias Smallie telling his family member that they had gone to Wilberforce, Cockerill, Pademba Road, but that he had been in what he called a cut-off point at the Special Court compound. Koroma also explained to an unknown family member of his that they were prepared to attack the Murray Town military facility in the late hours of Sunday 26th November.
In another audio, it was revealed that Koroma was at the Special Court premise in Freetown when he asked his fellow attackers about their whereabouts because according to him, when he went outside, he could not see them, but all he could see around were presidential guards at the time he was sending the voice note.
The second accused, Ibrahim Bundu alais Amerikin also had several conversations with the first accused in the ongoing treason trial, Amadu Koita Makalo before and on the day of the incident, 26th November 2023.
The call log including outgoing and incoming and the location of calls of several accused persons including the 21st accused were also displayed in court.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (22/03/24)
