In the ongoing court martial trial at the High Court of Sierra Leone, Staff Sergeant Mustapha Turay emerged as the 28th prosecution witness, offering pivotal testimony concerning the arrest of Leather Boot at Murray Town Barracks on November 26, 2023.

Currently stationed at Lungi Garrison Barracks, Turay previously served at the Joint Logistics Unit (JLU) in Murray Town during the attempted coup. His testimony shed light on several individuals present during the incident, notably Staff Sergeant Abu Dauda, Edward Koroma, Corporal Alie Kamara, and Rashid Koroma.

Turay recounted the events of November 25, 2023, when he temporarily left his deployment site to procure an energy drink at a nearby restaurant. Upon his return around 1 am, gunfire erupted from Wilberforce, prompting Turay to alert his fellow soldiers. Throughout the night, the gunfire persisted, spreading to Cockrill and Murray Town by 6:30 am.

As per Turay’s account, Lieutenant Colonel Charles instructed him to distribute ammunition and coordinate military officers, including Edward Koroma. Subsequently, they were tasked with apprehending Koroma for interrogation due to suspicions regarding his involvement. Following Koroma’s arrest, they disarmed him and confiscated his iPad, which yielded incriminating evidence.

During interrogation, Koroma implicated Abu Dauda and confessed to his participation in the assault. Consequently, Turay and his team responded to additional gunfire and conducted searches, leading to the discovery of Leather Boot and other individuals in a room at the barracks. They were subsequently transported to Cockrill Headquarters.

The court adjourned for cross-examination, slated to resume the following day, as the trial delves deeper into the events surrounding the failed coup and the roles played by the accused individuals.