The Attorney General’s Chambers Ministry of Justice has today appealed Justice Basiru Mahoney’s judgment in a treason, inciting mutiny, and concealment of treason case in which only Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera was sentenced.

In December 2022, a foiled coup attempt was announced, leading to the arrest of the alleged perpetrators. In January 2023, the state filed a case against five junior soldiers and a policeman for treason, inciting mutiny, and concealment of treason, alleging unlawful overthrow. All pleaded not guilty.

The trial involved Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera, Sergeant Gibril Darboe, Corporal Ebrima Sannoh, Corporal Omar Njie, and Sub-Inspector Fabakary Jawara; all pleaded not guilty, and the state was tasked with proving their case.

Justice Basiru Mahoney convicted and sentenced Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera to twelve years in a December 2022 attempted coup, while all other accused individuals were discharged and acquitted.

The state is now arguing that the judge erred in considering Yahya Manjang and Kaamo Jatta as not accomplices, citing corroborating evidence from mobile telephone call printouts.

The state is also disputing the trial judge’s rejection of Corporal Omar Njie, the fourth respondent’s voluntary statements, and the decision to discharge the first respondent in counts two and five. The state’s attorneys argue that the procedure followed complied with laws and regulations.

The state has filed the appeal against that judgment and wants the court of Appeal to sentence the accused persons to Life in Prison.