In the aftermath of the failed coup attempt, the Sierra Leone Police has issued summons to former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, requesting his presence at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department in Freetown within 24 hours.
The invitation is part of the ongoing criminal investigations into the failed attempted coup that took place on November 26th, 2023.
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The Ministry of Information and Civic Education released a public notice confirming the summons and informing the public that the former president has been asked to assist the police in their investigation. The notice also assured that regular updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
The invitation to the former president comes as authorities intensify their efforts to uncover the full extent of the attempted coup and identify all individuals involved in the plot.
While the investigation has not directly linked Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma to the attack at this stage the notice said his cooperation is deemed crucial to shed light on the events surrounding the coup attempt.
The armed attackers had stormed various military and law enforcement facilities, engaging in clashes with security forces that resulted in the loss of 21 lives, including soldiers, a policeman, a prison guard, a security guard, a woman, and three assailants.
Thirteen soldiers and one civilian suspected of involvement have been detained, while police have issued a list of 34 individuals, including former and current military personnel and police officers, as “fugitives.”
A “handsome reward” has been offered for any information leading to their apprehension.
Amadu Koita, who had been critical of President Bio’s administration on social media, was arrested along with two alleged accomplices.
Koita, a former military officer and bodyguard to ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, was considered a high-priority target. The arrests bring the total number of individuals detained in connection to the coup attempt to 60, with the majority being military personnel.
The attempted coup unfolded against a backdrop of increasing instability in the West African region, as witnessed in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, all of which have experienced attempted coups since 2020.
