Treason Trial: CID Officer Tenders Statement Signed By Accused
By Fatmata Mohamed Bangura
52-year-old former military officer Sallieu Jalloh has made another appearance before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah at Pademba Road Court No. 1 in Freetown, facing trail for conspiring to unlawfully overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone.
Detective Police Officer Hassan Commies told the court that Jalloh voluntarily signed a caution statement admitting his involvement in the alleged plot.
Jalloh faces two charges: Treason, contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Treason and State Offences Act No. 10 of 1963, and Misprision of Treason, contrary to law.
According to the prosecution, between 1st January 2024 and 13th March 2025, Jalloh conspired with Captain Aiah Aba Senessie, Sergeant Bangura of Waterloo, Retired Sergeant Kamara, and others to procure AK-47 rifles to overthrow the government.
He is further accused of contacting security personnel and civilians to help obtain firearms and ammunition. On 8th March 2024, Jalloh allegedly instructed Sandy Sesay and his men to be on standby for an “imminent power transition.”
The indictment also alleges that from 26th November 2023 to 26th November 2024, Jalloh concealed treasonous acts by Captain Senessie and others. No plea was taken during the hearing.
Detective Hassan Commies (1818), attached to the CID Headquarters’ Operations Department, testified that on 13th March 2025, he was on duty when Jalloh was arrested and brought from Makeni and the case was assigned to him for investigation.
He said he and Detective Sergeant Solomon Amadu (8904) interviewed Jalloh that day. Amadu questioned the accused in Krio, Commies recorded the answers in English, and the statement was then read and explained in Krio. Jalloh confirmed its accuracy and signed it with his right-hand thumbprint. The statement was produced and tendered in court.
During questioning by defense, Commies testified that he was not present during the accused’s arrest in Makeni. That he was unaware of the accused’s eyes being tied with cloth.
He confirmed retrieving the accused’s phone and also confirmed the accused admitted knowing Captain Senessie.
Magistrate Jah stated that the serious nature of the case requires swift handling and will likely be committed to the High Court. He urged the defense to prepare well.
Jalloh was remanded at the Male Correctional Center, with the case adjourned to 10th June 2025.
