By Ibrahim Kabba Turay
In the ongoing treason case against former President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, proceedings on Wednesday saw the adjournment of the trial to the 17th of June, 2024.
The decision came after deliberations between the lead defense counsel, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, and the state prosecution team, convened at the chamber of Magistrate Santigie Bangura.
Following hours of discussions, the court clerk announced to the assembled members of the public and journalists that the matter would reconvene on the aforementioned date in June.
The adjournment follows an application presented before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 on the 6th of March, 2024. Filed by defense counsel Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, the affidavit sought an extension of the trial period for former President Koroma on medical grounds.
Representing the state were Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawally, Solicitor General R. B. Kowa, Director of Public Prosecution, O. I. Kanu, A. G. M. Bockarie, and A. Jalloh.
During the proceedings, it was noted by the state prosecutor that the accused was absent from court, having been granted bail by the High Court on medical grounds.
Defense Counsel Fitzgerald Kamara informed the court of their affidavit requesting an extension of medical leave, referencing Paragraphs 4 to 6 of the affidavit sworn by the sureties, Hon. Minkailu Mansaray, the current Chairman of the main opposition, All People’s Congress (APC) party and his deputy Ambassador Osman Foday Yansaneh.
In response, Prosecutor Ahmed G. M. Bockarie expressed concern over the absence of the referenced documents and requested clarification from the sureties regarding the whereabouts of the accused.
Surety Minkailu Mansaray, clarified that the accused remained in Nigeria, where he was undergoing medical treatment. Mansaray apologized for the delay in obtaining the medical report due to procedural matters in Nigeria.
The prosecutor, however, expressed reservations about the surety’s commitment to ensuring the accused’s return.
