By Yusufu S. Bangura
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ibrahim Sesay, the 9th accused in the ongoing treason trial of Amadu Koita Makalo and 11 others, testified before Justice Komba Kamanda, asserting his innocence and expressing his suffering for crimes he claims no knowledge of.
Under the guidance of Lawyer Ady Macaulay, Sesay, who has been imprisoned at the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre in Freetown, shared his plight. “I am feeling bad because I am currently suffering at the Male Correctional Centre for something I did not know about. My children have been asked to leave the university because I was unable to pay their fees, and I have been dismissed from the police force,” he testified.
Sesay, who joined the police force in 2008, served as a presidential guard to former President Ernest Bai Koroma. After the former president left office, Sesay continued as his Chief Security Officer in Makeni, responsible for the security of the former president, his family, and his properties.
He recounted the challenges faced during his deployment in Makeni, highlighting the reduced number of security personnel from 26 to 13, which affected their operations. Sesay narrated that he last visited his family on June 24, 2023, during the general elections, and worked in 24-hour shifts.
Sesay denied any involvement in the alleged coup attempt on November 26, 2023, and refuted allegations of being in constant communication with co-accused Koita and Leather Booth. He described his arrest as an invitation by AIG Samadia at Toku Barracks in Makeni, leading to a search of his house that yielded no incriminating evidence.
During his investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters, Sesay maintained his innocence, stating he had no knowledge of the November 26th incident or any involvement of military personnel under his charge.
The trial is set to continue on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, with further hearings expected.
