Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – The Military Justice Prosecutor at the Superior Military Court has requested a six-year effective prison sentence for former rear admiral José Américo Bubo Na Tchuto over his alleged involvement in the attempted coup of February 1, 2022, in Guinea-Bissau.
According to the prosecution, evidence presented during the trial places Bubo Na Tchuto at the National Navy barracks on the day of the incident.
The court also heard allegations that he ordered the opening of the weapons depot while an attack was underway at the Government Palace, where then-President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was present.
However, the defense, led by lawyer Marcelino Intupe, has strongly rejected the prosecution’s request, arguing that the charges are unsupported by credible evidence and calling for his client’s acquittal.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, after final arguments in the trial, which has lasted about five months, Intupe accused the Military Justice Prosecutor of acting unlawfully. He argued that under Article 117(g) of the Military Justice Code, only the institution that conducted the investigation has the authority to sustain the charges.
“It is not possible to sustain an accusation without having conducted the investigation,” Intupe said, adding that this responsibility lies exclusively with the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
He further described the six-year prison request as legally unfounded, claiming the prosecution may have relied on arguments from another case. The defense also highlighted what it described as contradictions in witness testimonies and a lack of material evidence.
Intupe said the individual allegedly asked by Bubo Na Tchuto to open the weapons depot was not the person responsible for the keys. He noted that the accused himself had appointed the official who held the keys, making it unlikely he would approach someone else.
The lawyer also disputed claims that his client broke the Navy barracks gate, stating that this allegation was disproven in court. He explained that Bubo Na Tchuto had gone to the naval facility after his vehicle became stuck in a ditch.
According to the defence, the prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of the Navy’s deputy chief of staff, whose statements were contradicted by other witnesses. While the deputy chief claimed the accused was escorted by an armed man, the Navy chief of staff reportedly testified that the individual was unarmed.
Intupe said there were no legal grounds to convict his client and vowed to appeal if the court rules against him.
“My client knows the Navy well. If he intended to attack an elite military unit, he would not have done so with just three men,” he said.
The Superior Military Court is expected to deliver its verdict within 30 days, although the defence has urged the court to issue its decision within 15 days, in line with what it says is the legal recommendation.
