By: Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S.
In a landmark ruling at the High Court on Monday, March 24, 2025, Honorable Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens sentenced two accused individuals, Alie Badara Kanu (alias Captain Makeni) and Thaimu Bangura, to 120 years each for treason and misprision of treason.
The 12-member jury unanimously returned a guilty verdict on both counts. Following the verdict, the court imposed consecutive sentences of 90 years for treason and 30 years for misprision of treason, totaling 120 years of imprisonment for each accused.
During the mitigation phase, the defense counsel pleaded for leniency, noting that Kanu had served in the military diligently and had dependent children, along with having been in detention for over a year. Bangura, a father of 17 children, had served in the army for 16 years. The defense urged the court to exercise mercy in its sentencing.
However, Justice Stevens ruled that the severity of the crimes warranted a firm response. The sentencing breakdown was as follows:
Alie Badara Kanu (Alias Captain Makeni)
- Count 1 (Treason): 90 years imprisonment
- Count 2 (Misprision of Treason): 30 years imprisonment
- Total Sentence: 120 years (consecutive)
Thaimu Bangura
- Count 1 (Treason): 90 years imprisonment
- Count 2 (Misprision of Treason): 30 years imprisonment
- Total Sentence: 120 years (consecutive)
The case, tried under the Treason and State Offenses Act of 1963, accused Kanu and Bangura of conspiring to overthrow the government between June 24, 2023, and June 29, 2024. The prosecution presented evidence indicating that the accused used WhatsApp groups—“Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD)”—to recruit military and police personnel and acquire arms for their alleged coup attempt.
Additionally, the state alleged that the accused held meetings at Camp Junction, Waterloo, and Newton to strategize their plans, using coded communication to refer to weapons as “slings.” Between January and April 2024, Kanu and Bangura were accused of misprision of treason for failing to report knowledge of a conspiracy involving other military officers.
This case underscores the government’s firm stance against subversive actions, sending a strong message that any attempts to undermine national security will be met with severe consequences. The ruling represents one of the most significant treason trials in recent history, reaffirming the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law and preserving democratic governance.
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