By Ibrahim Kabba Turay
During the ongoing court martial trial in the High Court of Sierra Leone, Staff Sergeant Mustapha Turay, the 28th prosecution witness, testified on Tuesday regarding the arrest of Leather Boot at Murray Town on November 26, 2023.
Turay, currently stationed at Lungi Garrison Barracks, was previously at the Joint Logistics Unit (JLU) in Murray Town during the failed coup. He identified several individuals, including Staff Sergeant Abu Dauda, Edward Koroma, Corporal Alie Kamara, and Rashid Koroma, among others, who were present during the incident.
According to Turay’s testimony, on the night of November 25, 2023, he left his deployment site briefly to buy an energy drink at a nearby restaurant. Upon his return around 1 am, he heard gunshots coming from Wilberforce and alerted fellow soldiers. He said the gunfire continued throughout the night, extending to Cockrill and Murray Town by 6:30 am.
Turay recounted how he distributed ammunition under the orders of Lieutenant Colonel Charles to organise military officers, including Edward Koroma. Later, they were instructed to bring Koroma for questioning as he purportedly had information about the situation. Upon apprehending Koroma, they disarmed him and confiscated his iPad, which revealed incriminating evidence.
During interrogation, Koroma implicated Abu Dauda and confessed his involvement in the assault. Subsequently, Turay and his team heard more gunfire and conducted searches, leading to the discovery of Leather Boot and others in a room at the barracks. They were then transported to Cockrill Headquarters.
The court adjourned for cross-examination scheduled for the following day.
