By Feima Sesay
The lead defense counsel for former president Ernest Bai Koroma lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara has on Wednesday 6th March 2024 filed an affidavit for extension of the trial on grounds of medical leave.
He made this application before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No2.
The state was represented by the Attorny General and Minister of Justice Mohamed Lamin Tarawally, the Solicitor General R V Kowa, Director of Public Prosecution O I Kanu, A G M Bockarie and A Jalloh.
Whiles the defense team for former president Ernest Bai Koroma included, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Lansana Dumbuya, Saidu Bangura and Chernor Kamara.
The state prosecutor said the accused was not in court after him being granted bail at the High Court on medical grounds.
Defense Counsel lawyer Fitzgerald Kamara informed the court that he had filed an affidavit for extension of medical leave on behalf of the accused former president Ernest Bai Koroma, adding that they were aware of their duty to the court and said that was why they had filed an affidavit for extension of medical leave serving the prosecution team.
He added that the affidavit was sworn to by the surties, Hon. Minkailu Mansaray and Ambassador Osman Foday Yansaneh referencing Paragraph 4 to 6 of the affidavit.
The prosecution Lawyer Ahmed G M Bockarie in reply said he was in receipt of the affidavit but said the references the defense made was not before the court and therefore urged that the surties speak for themselves to explain to the court the whereabout of the accused.
One of the surties, Minkailu Mansaray explained to the court that the accused is still in Nigeria for his medical attention, adding that they had made effort to get the medical report but said because of the process over there, they could not get it.
He therefore appologized for the absence of the accused.
The prosecutor said he did not hear any commitment from the surety as to when the accused will return.
Magistrate Santigie Bangura in his ruling having heard from both sides ordered the defense team to present the medical report of the accused within three weeks.
The matter was adjourned to the 27th March 2024 .
It could be recalled that the former president Ernest Bai Koroma is standing trial before the court for treason, misprision of treason, harboring and other related offences.
It was alleged that the accused and others conspired together with other persons unknown to overthrow president Bio.
