Written By Lisa Murimi
Amadu Koita Makalo, a former bodyguard of ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, has been found guilty of treason and sentenced alongside 10 others for their involvement in a failed coup last year.
Makalo, also a former soldier, received a 182-year prison sentence on charges of treason, murder, and shooting with intent to murder.
The charges stem from attacks by gunmen on a military barracks and prisons last November, months after President Julius Maada Bio was narrowly re-elected for a second term.
The attacks resulted in the freeing of more than 2,000 prisoners and the deaths of at least 20 people before the government regained control and labeled the incident an attempted coup.
Makalo, known for his vocal criticism of the government on social media, was accused of organizing the coup plot. During sentencing, a judge noted Makalo’s lack of remorse throughout the trial.
“The purpose of this sentence is to serve as a deterrent for people to know that coups or attempted coups to overthrow any legitimate government is no longer accepted,” Judge Komba Kamanda stated, according to local newspaper Awoko.
Makalo’s co-accused received prison sentences ranging from 39 to 182 years. A judicial spokesman confirmed the sentences but did not provide specific details as the court document had yet to be finalized.
In connection with the coup attempt, at least 80 individuals, mostly military personnel, were arrested. In January, 12 people, including former police officers, were charged with treason and other offenses.
Former President Koroma, who governed Sierra Leone for 11 years until 2018, was also charged with treason related to the coup attempt. Koroma, who denied the charges, was granted permission to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment but has yet to return to Sierra Leone.
