Today marks a significant milestone as the trial of twenty-seven military officers begins in a Court Martial presided over by Senior Magistrate Marke Ngegba and a panel of seven others. These officers are facing a daunting array of eighty-eight charges, including mutiny, aiding the enemy, theft of public property, and murder, all related to their alleged involvement in the failed coup attempt on November 26th, 2023.

In a pre-trial session held in Freetown on Monday, the 88 charges were not read out due to the absence of one individual, and no pleas were taken at this stage. The Prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecution Osman I. Kanu, is set to present 52 witnesses in the case, supported by a team of state counsels. Defense attorneys, including Lawyers Ade Macaulay Esq., Melron Nicol Wilson, Julian Cole, and support from the Legal Aid Board, represent the accused officers.

However, the pre-trial session saw objections from defense lawyers. Julian Cole, representing the 17th accused, cited Section 89 of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone Act 1961, seeking the opportunity for the accused to object to any court member before taking an oath. The defense emphasized the importance of due process in ensuring the proceedings' integrity.

Another defense lawyer, 1. Bangura, representing the 9th accused and others, raised the 9th accused's medical condition of epilepsy. The State objected, urging the court to disregard the application. Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba dismissed the objection, citing the absence of medical evidence.

During the session, Judge Advocate Marke Ngegba issued a stern warning, emphasizing the need for the press, social media bloggers, and lawyers to respect the sanctity of the court proceedings and adhere strictly to laws governing court conduct. He asserted his readiness to take action against anyone violating these protocols. As the trial unfolds, it is a critical moment for justice and the rule of law in Sierra Leone.