Sierra Leone Telegraph: 20 June 2020:
The central allegation by the State against Major Alfred Palo Conteh is that he committed treason when he entered a public place – State House on 19th March 2020, with a gun, allegedly intended to kill the president at a meeting.
Alfred Palo Conteh is charged with 13 counts of Treason, contrary to Section 3(1)(b) of the Treason and State Offences Act No. 10 of 1963, “TSOA” (AS AMENDED); (“TSOA”) – Counts 1 & 2; Treason, contrary to section 4(a), of the Treason and State Offences Act No. 10 of 1963, (AS AMENDED) – Count 3; Possession of a Small Arm without a Valid License, contrary to Section 11(1) of the Arms and Ammunition Act, No. 9 of 2012 – Counts 5 & 6; Possession of a Small Arm without a Valid License, contrary to the Arms and Ammunition Act, No. 9 of 2012 – Count 7; Importation of a Small Arm Without a Permit – contrary to Section 16(1) of the Arms and Ammunitions Regulations 2014 – Count 8; Concealing Arms Unlawfully, contrary to Regulation 22 of the Arms and Ammunitions Regulations 2014 – Count 9; Keeping a Greater Number of Small Arms than is specified in a License, contrary to Regulation 29(1) of the Arms and Ammunitions Regulations 2014 – Count 10; Having a Loaded Small Arm in a Public Place, contrary to Regulation 32(1) of the Arms and Ammunitions Regulations 2014 – Count 11; and Making a False Statement on Oath Otherwise than in a Judicial Proceedings, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Perjury Act 1911 – Count 14, 15 & 16.
But for the State to convince the jury that Palo Conteh is guilty of committing treason which is punishable by death by hanging, the State must prove beyond reasonable doubt that: Palo had intended to kill the president; there was opportunity for Palo to kill the president and that Palo had a motive for wanting to kill the president as alleged.
According to report filed by Sierra Leone Telegraph Court Correspondent, opening the case on behalf of Palo Conteh (First Accused), Lead Counsel – Dr Abdulai Conteh, yesterday told the High Court: “On behalf of the first accused, we want to thank the jury. We have reached the stage where the 1st accused if he chooses can give evidence on his own behalf, but he is not oblige to do so or he can stand from the dock and ask the prosecution to prove his innocence. But in this case the accused choose to testify.
“He has been charged with three counts of treason offences, seven counts under the Small Arms Commission Act and two counts of perjury. He has no burden to prove his innocence. The prosecution has called thirteen witnesses and there has been no evidence to prove the charges against the accused.
“We heard from the prosecution that the first accused was at State House on the 19th March 2020 with a B17 gun and therefore it amounts to treason. We will give evidence as to how the gun came to be in State House on the 19th March 2020.
“The whole of the prosecution case is based on the circumstances in which the gun was found in State House. They have not led evidence that the first accused went to State House with the B17 with the necessary intent to harm the president. To have B17 or any kind of gun at State House is not treason.
“The first accused will give evidence as to how his brown bag containing the gun was found at State House and how he voluntarily handed his bag pronouncing “that is my bag containing my personal weapon.” The prosecution claims he wanted to assassinate the president, we say no there was no such intent.
“Much heavy weather has been made of the scanning machine at State House. The prosecution says the first accused failed to go through the scanning machine. One of the prosecution witnesses testified that there is a CCTV camera which records what is going on in the surrounding of State House and the footage of the CCTV is recorded. An application was made by the Defence for the production of the footage on the 19 March 2020 which would have shown this court and members of the jury beyond speculation what happened at State House, particularly the sensitive area. This recording is in the possession of the State. It would have beyond reasonable doubt shown this court what happened on the 19 March 2020.
“But this CCTV footage has not been produced by the State. There was also an application for this court to visit the locus sight of the scene. The Judge said the visit will be made at the close of the defence case.
“Members of the jury, the case of the Defence is that on an invitation by the President, he visited State House on that day in response to the fight against the deadly Covid-19 pandemic and regrettably stands here today charged with treason.
“On his visit he had with him his brown bag which contained his personal weapon, he went to the security handed his bag voluntarily, pronouncing “it contains my personal weapon keep it for me”. Is that the conduct of a person with the intent to assassinate the president? We say no, he went to visit the president with no malicious intent but just to answer the call on national duty. He (Palo Conteh) will tell this court why he was invited on the second visit.
“The police were not investigating any case of treason but offence under the small arms, but with advice from the Law Officer Department they changed the investigation from offences under the Small Arms Act to treason. The charge of treason was an afterthought.
“In so far as the offences under the Small Arms are concerned members of the jury, not an iota, not one peck of evidence has been shown before this court to show that the first accused committed these offences. You the members of the jury are not judges of speculation but of fact, and there has been no evidence that the weapon had no valid license or the weapon was concealed.
“He has also been charged with perjury and perjury is making a statement on oath but in this case he made a statement on the application form for the renewal of his license which contain no clause that what he is writing is true. In fact from one of the prosecution witness she said that there is no oath administered when filling application form. How can filling an application form for small arms amount to perjury?
“My Lord with the leave of the court may I call the first accused to take the witness stand.”
At this point in the proceedings, Mr Palo Conteh gave his personal details, including his name, home address, and occupation which he gave as – Barrister and politician
“I served the country under the military for 16 years. During the course of my service, I rose to the rank of Major,” Mr Conteh said.
“Did you serve your country in any other capacity?,” Dr Abdulai Conteh asked Palo Conteh, to which Palo replied: “In 2007 to 2014, I was the Minister of Defense. From 2014 to December 2015, the then president assigned me to lead the fight against the Ebola virus. From March 2016 to the end of 2017 I was appointed the minister of internal affairs. In 2018, I was reassigned as minister of defense until after the 2018 elections.”
“During your time of service, fighting the Ebola virus, you gained valuable experience in the field of fighting the pandemic disease?,” Dr Abdulai Conteh asked Palo. “Yes,” Palo replied.
“And in 2018 you ceased to be the minister of defense?,” Dr Abdulai Conteh asked Palo Conteh, to which Palo said “Yes. In May 2018 I took a break from politics and went to the UK, where I used to live, for seven months and came back to Sierra Leone at the end of December 2018 after I heard that there was going to be a commission of enquiry against members of the former government.
“In 2019, what happened or what did you do?,” Dr Abdulai Asked Palo Conteh, “I just kept myself to myself and stayed away from anything that will bring shame to my name,” Palo replied.
“As a minister of defense, did you have security personnel?,” Dr Conteh asked Palo Conteh. “Yes,” Palo Conteh replied. “Are you still enjoying that?,” defence Lawyer Abdulai Conteh asked Palo Conteh, to which Palo replied: “No. After the 2018 election, all my security personnel were withdrawn, which was not the usual practice or norm in the ministry of defence. In the ministry of defence, be it deputy or any senior officer after retirement have at least one security assigned to the former officer.”
“Why did you feel the need to carry a personal weapon?,” Dr Abdulai Conteh asked Palo Conteh. “I needed it to protect myself,” Palo replied. “Why did you need protection from any one?,” Dr Abdula Conteh asked Palo Conteh.
“When I was a minister I was personally attacked by ex-combatants. When I became the minister of internal affairs, I decided to take on the clicks gang and those that called themselves five star generals. I decided to wage war on the unlawfulness and indiscipline especially in the western area. Consequently, I felt the need to carry personal weapon. I also decided to challenge the okada riders in order to bring sanity in the city of Freetown. I was the minister of internal affairs, it was my responsibility to ensure that the nation was safe and secured. I enforced the Road Traffic Regulation by making sure every okada rider possessed a helmet. I was without a single security after the election in 2018, so I decided to have a weapon.”
“In 2020 you had cause to visit State House?,” Dr Abdulai Conteh asked Palo Conteh. “Yes,” Palo replied. “When did you visit State House?,” Dr Conteh asked Palo Conteh, to which Palo replied: “My first visit was on the 16th of March 2020.”
Dr Abdulai Conteh then asked Palo Conteh: “How did you come to State House on that day?,” to which Palo said: “On Monday 16th March at about 12 noon, I received a call from the minister of finance that the president is inviting me to a meeting at State House at 3pm on the same day. He asked whether I will be willing to attend the meeting.”
“Did you know the reason for the meeting?,” Dr Conteh asked Palo Conteh. “Yes it was in relation to the fight against Covid-19,” Palo replied. “What did you bring to the table?,” Dr Abdulai Conteh asked Palo Conteh. “The small knowledge I had on fighting Ebola as I was the Chief Executive officer. I drove to State House that Monday as I was very pleased with myself as my work in the previous government has been recognized. I got to State House at about 2:30 pm for the meeting which was to start at 3pm. At the main gate of State House they recognized me and ticked my name on the list and waved me in. I drove to the car park at the back of State House.
Dr Abdulai Conteh interjected: “Did you drive alone?” Palo Conteh replied: “Yes. I found myself in the parking lot and parked my car, I looked around and didn’t notice anyone at the car park.”
“What did you do in a deserted car park?,” Dr Abdulai Conteh asked Palo. “I had my brown bag containing my B17, because the car park was quiet I decided to drop my bag behind the driver’s seat as the back of my car window are tinted, I got off my car, locked and headed for State House building. I went through the front door to the reception area on the 1st floor, went to the security desk where they had a piece of paper and my name was ticked off.
“I was directed to go into the office of the Director of state protocol to wait until the president was ready for the meeting to commence. After a while of waiting, I was asked to go to the conference room on the second floor where there were seated a host of personalities invited to the meeting. Few minutes later his Excellency the President was ushered in and the meeting commenced.”
“What was the outcome of the meeting?,” Dr Conteh asked Palo. “The president made an opening statement, then he invited me and my team to share our experience during the fight against Ebola. I was asked by the president to make a statement. In my statement I made two points: 1. I commended his Excellency for inviting me and the Ebola team and said that was the right decision. 2. I assured his Excellency that I will give my usual 100 percent support without any remuneration as it was going to be pro bono to the public. After my statement, the President in concluding gave a number of directives: 1. That the ministry of health and sanitation should draft a strategic plan and 2. That he wanted the draft strategy and policy to be ready in 48 hours in the military style.
Mr Palo Conteh continued: “The following day, which was March 17, I attended a meeting at the ministry of health and sanitation and the planning started for the fight against Covid-19. We were then divided into groups. One team was to be housed at the Bintumani hostel to draft the policy strategy for the Covid-19. I was asked by the Minister of health to travel to Lungi immediately after the meeting on a hired boat. I was to check on passengers who were quarantined at Lungi hotel as they have been complaining through social media about the amenities at the hotel. The Chief Minister later joined us. Most of the issues were sought out and we came back to Freetown at about 8pm on the same day. No food was provided but I considered it a national call.
“On the 19th March 2020, I received a call from the former chief of staff of the national Ebola response center – Major David Taluva that the draft document has been requested by His Excellency and that he was ready for presentation. I got myself ready and drove to State House. I got there at about 8:30am. My name was again ticked at the main gate. I went to the car park. Whilst looking for parking lot I saw about four or five young men who were chasing my car, one of them said please sir “cam park ya” which I duly obliged to. I got off my car and then one of them said to me please sir “we wan wass you motorcar”; and I nodded saying – I didn’t mind for the him to wash it. Because of their presence around my car I took a decision that I don’t think it will be necessary to leave my bag containing my B17.
“I then took my brown bag, locked the car and proceeded to State House. I got to the reception area at first floor, I didn’t put my bag on the scanner neither did I walk through the metal detector. Instead, I walked by the side of the metal detector heading straight to the security desk. While at it, no one questioned me, no one challenged me, no one said a word to me. I got to the security desk at the reception area where a man and a woman were seated.”
“Do you remember their names?,” Dr Abdulai Conteh interjected. “No. I held my brown bag in front of them and said keep this for me. And one of them said – no sir “take u bag upstairs”. And then I commented, “no, this bag contains my personal weapon”. One of them took the bag from me, after I said it contains my personal weapon. I was then allowed to go upstairs.”
“Do you know what happened to the bag at that time?,” Dr Conteh asked Palo Conteh, to which Palo replied: “No alarm was raised by any of the security personnel. After I left my bag I went to the second floor where the office of the president is. There was another security who directed me to the office of the state chief protocol.
“Were you the only one who attended the meeting?,” Dr Abdulai Conteh asked Palo Conteh. “No there were others. We chatted and about an hour later Lieutenant Colonel Kposowa walked into the room with my bag in his hand. He was with one female and about three or four male officers. One of them was Superintendent MK Allieu who has been investigating since Jacob was a child.
“Colonel Kposowa said that there is a weapon in the bag, I replied saying yes, it is my personal weapon, and I voluntarily declared it at the reception and that was why I left it downstairs. I then said that I have a valid license for the weapon. Whilst he was holding the bag, I then unzipped the zip at the side of the bag, brought out the valid license issued by the Small Arms Commission to carry that B 17 and the said license was valid from March 2020-2021. Colonel Kposowa then said to the people in the room “make ar nor see am na social media oo” and further said please sir you will not be attending the meeting and that you will be interviewed by the CID. Kposowa then handed the bag with the magazine and the B 17 to MK Allieu and his team.
Lawyer Abdulai Conteh then asked Palo: “How long did your interview last?,” to which Palo replied: “Over an hour and the allegation was unlawful possession of a firearm.”
“Were you arrested or detained at the end of the interview?,” Dr Abdulai Conteh asked Palo Conteh, to which Palo replied: “After the interview, I was released to go home, I then drove home. On the same Thursday at about 5pm, while I was home, Superintendent Allieu called me to say that I should return to the CID headquarters to pick up my weapon and my bag. I drove to the CID to meet him, he then left me in one of the offices and after about ten minutes he came back and said to me, ‘we will release your bag and weapon tomorrow after talking to the inspector General of Police’. I drove back home.
“On Friday 20th March 2020, at about lunch time, Superintendent Allieu called my mobile phone and enquired where I was, I replied I was home. Superintendent Allieu then said I am outside your gate. Since I have no security personnel I proceeded to open the gate. SP Allieu was in his vehicle and the vehicle drove in and there was a second vehicle with armed OSD personnel. He showed me what looked like a warrant. They then searched my entire house and after a thorough search, there was nothing discovered that was of interest.
“After the search, my personal computer was taken away. Detective Allieu then invited me to the CID headquarters. I drove my car to the CID where I was interviewed for the second time and the allegation was unlawful possession of a firearm. SP Allieu whipped out an arrest warrant, I was then locked up at the CID for the night on the 20th March. The next day I was moved to the Central Prison at Pademba road.
“The next interview was on the 24th March, the allegation that was again put to me was unlawful possession of fire arms offences. There was another interview on the 26th of March, the allegation was on small arms offences and treasonable offenses. My response to that was “God Forbid.” The final interview was on the 29th of March 2020 and the same allegations were put to me and my response was that they were baseless and untrue. I am still in solitary confinement for the past three months”.
Dr Abdulai Conteh then said to Palo Conteh: “The allegations before you in the indictment is that you prepared to carry out by force an enterprise to assassinate the president of this country?” Palo Conteh answered: “ That is absolutely not true. I deny all the treason charges against me.”
“It is further alleged that you were without a valid license for the B17,” Dr Abdulai Conteh put it to Palo Conteh, to which Palo said: “I have a valid license which is valid from the 3rd March 2020 to March 2021.”
Dr Abdulai Conteh also said to Palo: “You are also accused of concealing B17 and that you imported small arms without permission,” to which Palo replied: “Never in my life have I imported any weapon. I got my very first personal weapon in 2017.”
“You are accused of being in possession of loaded weapon,” Dr Abdulai Conteh put it to Palo Conteh. “My gun was not loaded and I say this with absolute conviction,” Palo Conteh replied.
“You are accused of making a false statement on oath contrary to the Perjury Act. Did you make any oath when filling your application form?,” Dr Conteh asked Palo Conteh. “No,” Palo replied.
And in his final question for the day, Dr Abdulai Conteh asked Palo Conteh, “How do you feel to be charged with Treason?,” to which Palo – filled with emotion, replied: “I feel distraught, disappointed, deflated and disillusioned.”
The Prosecution then requested for an adjournment as a result of limited time for cross examination. The case was adjourned by Judge Stevens to next Tuesday, 23rd of June, 2020.
Yes of course some folks are hiding the reality or facts, we don’t have to be naïve or in other words, turn against the reality because of your hatred attitude against someone. As some of our brothers used to mention it here saying “Bio wanted to take the country now like N. Korea, oh really? Don’t you think if we were in North Korea today this treason trial case against Paolo would have already been forgotten about? The Rtd. Maj. Paolo Conteh we do respect him for his honorable service to our country, but at the same time we have to acknowledge that, mistakes are made for us to learn from, but if someone fails to learn from his/her mistake, that person is stupid.
Dr. Abdulai Omar Conteh, the leading defense for Alfred Paolo today with all international experience, mind you this old man was the Vice President to Paolo Conteh’s late uncle H.E. Ex president J.S.Momoh at the time when Bio and other Gallant soldiers sacrificed their lives to free this country from one party state dictatorship (APC). I have never voted SLPP – not yet in my life and God knows, but the way I see the APC ruling and taking this country to, I wasn’t satisfied folks. If I and thousands of people voted you in because of certain individual, let you alone don’t make unlawful decisions on your own because you can exercise power as you wish. No… This is one of the reasons why people took up arms and made forests as their homeland to fight.
Bio suffered for this country, so let’s give him credit. There are some of us praying for another war in this country. Folks some of you singing the name in your mouth (WAR) my friend, you don’t want to be there. I lost my twin sister here in Kono – shot to death at the age of 16, APC never protected us, and EBK came with a broken promises to the nation. Then when we say this, you telling me to take a “basic reading and comprehension” because you are out of touch. May God protect Sierra Leone and may God guide and protect this administration.
Folks, this is what exactly happens when people do not listen to, comprehend and comply with prudent advice; it was right here, not long ago, on this noble forum, that I vehemently warned APC leaders, of treachery coming from the hands of the notorious, criminal SLPP, but it all fell on deaf years. This is a headstrong young cub that will not be admonished, in the end, is bound to be ruthlessly punished, for its own stubbornness and lack of good judgement, when it is faced with a brutal all-out, attacked from the iron grips and unforgiving fangs of fiendish, hateful hyenas. Ask yourself, for what reasons are the SLPP dragging this Paolo trial on, when the CCTV footage could solve this mindless charade in a minute, behind close doors?
Why are these malevolent people so hell-bent on settling old scores and exacting revenge, when there is much work, for them to do? Funny is it not, how their delusional running-nosed supporters on this forum, still insist on being suckled and spoon-fed with lies?(lol) What beats me is why they are still adamantly refusing to grow up and acknowledge with sincerity and maturity that their tribalistic, inept, backward government is systematically destroying our peaceful nation? Hey!Paolo Conteh it is a jungle out there – there is a price young cubs must pay, who disobey and stray, away from the indomitable gathering of a majestic pride of lions – they have only themselves to blame for endangering their own lives – Enough said!
Ridiculous and unfortunate stuff. I can’t really understand what Mr Brima Sesay was talking about. See how far his mind was, when it comes to the article and my comment. What has the article and my comment have to do with what Mr Brima Sesay was talking about? Again Ridiculous. Will Mr Brima Sesay please explain to me what prompted him to write such an irresponsible and not fit for purpose information with regards to my comment and the article?
I would advice Mr Brima Sesay to do some basic reading and comprehension before criticising me in the future. Remember Mr Brima Sesay, that you are not writing for yourself on this glorious platform. More than 26000 people are reading whatever you pen down. Please reply me right here and right now for us to resolve this issue with facts and not fakes. God help Mr. Brima Sesay.
Who cares if anyone wants to take the presidency of the State of Sierra Leone important. I don’t give a damn. Let them produce the CCTV evidence. Period. God help and protect the gallant Rtd Major Paolo Conteh and Ms Isata Saccoh.
My brother patriotic Sierra Leonean I do care, for this great country to meltdown and become again another nasty looing in the eye of the whole world, like January 6, of course I do care!. This country to become another blood diamond movie again, women, old people, children travelled on foot from Kono to Freetown again, brother I do care!!… May God bless you to wish danger for this country. The goverment needs no more evidence, Paolo has cleared the way. His first visit was to observe and examine the security lapse, and his second visit, he was ready for the operation. I do not give a damn how much you hate Bio and his administration. That is why I was smiling the last time you praised him in another article saying “Our gallant president” this man chosen by God, before he was elected, is that right?
I believe most of you guys are on mission, your wish is for the government to rush up with his case and execute him immediately, so that he won’t confessed, oh really? Your mission will fail. The leader of the defense team today, Dr. Abdulai O. Conteh was the APC party Vice president at the time Paolo’s uncle J.S.Momoh was overthrown by NPRC. Trust me he deserved to be removed and kicked out of power. It was the right time when the entire world supported his removal. Momoh flew to the neighboring country Guinea, and there he was interviewed by Robbin White; we all knew what it was like.
You guys talking about tribalism? Oh yeah indeed, how many times are you using tribalism language against Kabba saying “he is from Guinea” a mandingo man won’t be our president. But you forgot to understand that he is the one that initiated the peace that APC, led by EBK for 11 years, enjoyed. May God have mercy up on his soul. Let Paolo Conteh sit down without confessing and die for the others. They want him dead. Thank you.
Well, thanks to the mighty God for my understanding, we are not here to insult one and others neither to tell someone what to do brother. The most important is, the understanding. You don’t give a damn, what you care about is to produce the CCTV evidence period. Let’s assume that Bio was one of your supporting APC party president in the state house today, I don’t want to call a name here, but one of the SLPP party supporters does such a stuff like what Paolo Conteh did, taking a hidden loaded weapon to the president’s invitation, skip the scanning machine and so on, what would have been your reaction Mr. S. Matturi?.
What do you mean by saying for me to take a basic reading and comprehension? Brother, knowledge is like a river or an ocean, you take home what you capable to, so I am okay with what I have, thanks to God.
Is there really anything now that Paolo Conteh and his Supporters would not say or do to stop Paolo from being accountable? They could even say that Paolo did not take any gun to State house, but that is impossible to say now because that have been verified. Paolo can even cry that his intention for the pistol taken into State house was to offer it as gift to the president, but that also cannot be worked out now because it has been verified that he instead handed it over to securities, even though he was intercepted and could not reach the president.
What sense would it make if Paolo Conteh now says that he voluntarily abandoned his safety protection to the reception? Why did he take it out from home then? Didn’t he remember that he was going to State house, where no personal weapon is allowed even if the weapon is licensed? Let’s stop the jokes and take the Presidency of the State of Sierra Leone important. What if the state house becomes a place where everyone will be walking in with a gun/pistol?
Before I could make my comments or contributions, can I simply start by asking; Is the State House really safe for the president? What influenced Mr. Conteh to walk with an gun into State House?
Haven’t you heard his testimony?
It’s so sad when we see the truth we try to bend it because of political affiliation that is less important than human life. This man called Paolo is not in anyway guilty of any crimes. I pray that God will be his judge.
While I initially blamed Paolo conteh for lack of foresight and judgement in bringing a gun to State House, his personal testimony has indeed shed some light, rationalizing his thought process during those unfortunate minutes of his life. His decision to not put his bag into the metal detector clearly translates into him not intending to raise any security alarm within the State House premises. He therefore opted to walk to the manned-security desk and openly declared the gun inside the bag. This is a typical scenario here in America, informing security personnel manning state buildings about weapons at your possession instead of casually walking your gun through a metal detector.
It breaks my heart to see what’s going on in the country. We have proven to be naive as a nation when it comes to issues of politics. We value politics more than life, as long as it is politics we don’t think straight like normal human beings. According to the testimony of Paulo, him handing over the bag containing the weapon without being asked to do so proves that he had no hidden agenda to be executed at that time. How can a man, single handedly take on the president in a meeting,with several others around the table.
Have you tried to walk in his shoes for just an hour? As Sierra Leoneans it is high time we think about this nation as family. We need love now more than ever. Hate never heals, but love cures. I am not the jury, and I am not saying that the man is guilty or innocent. All I am saying is that the life of a Sierra Leonean, a father, a husband, a brother is at stake, and we have to be very careful when it comes to issues of life and death. The truth shall prevail. But as it stands, I feel sorry for the man, and I stand strong with the CONTEH family until the end.
Yes indeed hate NEVER heals but LOVE CURES! Thank you! Yes we should think of Sierra Leone as a FAMILY rather than political factions. I PRAY that God will resolve this matter AMICABLY. I hope NO one blames the President entirely. He was NOT there when the incident took place. I PRAY that the President has TRUE OBJECTIVE advisers around him, NOT ones with their own agendas that can rip the country apart. The people have seen and gone through a whole lot. They DO NOT need anymore!
Honestly there is a major lapse at State House. How can someone beat protocols by not going through the detector or scanner? There should be security personnel standing by the metal detector and scanner to monitor everybody coming in and out. I am pleading to the president and state officials on behalf of all Sierra Leoneans to please pardon Mr. Palo.
I can assure every Sierra Leonean that Maada Bio is God sent to redeem this country from poverty and suffering. I remember before the 2018 elections, every Sierra Leonean was praying for the right leader to rule us and bring prosperity to our beloved country; and God almighty answered. No weapon formed against the president shall prosper.
Is it out of ignorance that Mr. Palo didn’t go through the detector or scanner because he has visited State House several times in the past ten years or more. He understands all protocols pertaining to State House. Let us continue to plead and pray for Mr. Palo’s release.
In my personal opinion, the main reason why Former Defense Minister Paolo Conteh should have desisted from taking a loaded gun to the Statehouse, is because of the suspicion that was already brewing during and after the 2018 presidential election, which the APC party surprisingly and grudgingly lost. Below is the link and the video clip tells it all: https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/sierra-leone-army-denies-allegation-of-plan-to-kill-bio/
We have lost a lot of great men and women through treason trials or military decrees since independence. SAD. Ever since, none of our parliamentarians, both past and present are thinking about abolishing the useless, reckless and obsolete death penalty law in Sierra Leone. I was informed that the Republic of Guinea have done that. Who are we not to follow the example of the Republic of Guinea? Are we waiting till a mad man enters State House and start executing our parliamentarians and opposition members and leaders in mass for no good reasons, before we take action?
Fine and decent ladies and gentlemen, like the late Dr Ibrahim Sorie Fornah, late Mr F M Minah, Late Mr Bambay Kamara, the late Ms Kula Samba, to name a few have been executed in this political madness culture in our country. That has to stop. Enough is enough. Sierra Leoneans life matter. Are they hearing what I’m saying? Thank you very much Mr Brima Sesay for your insight and may God bless you. R. I. P to all those killed by this political madness. Amen and Amen. Father God.
Wow !! “I didn’t put my bag( with a loaded gun on the scanner neither did I walk through the metal detector. Instead, I walk by the the side of the metal detector heading straight to the security desk.” What is the essence of the scanner which is a major part of the security system at the Airport, Courthouse, Whitehouse or any important government building?. In Sierra Leone we usually refer to that as “ Either Mammy SWEH,or Uncle SWEH,or Woman SWEH or ARKEH”. May the Almighty have mercy on him.
The very definition of the word treason for which Rt. Major Paolo conteh stands accused, doesn’t cut mustard in a real and independent court of justice. The word treason states: is a crime of betraying one’s country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government. For argument’s shake, Let’s say when he walked into State House, that his intention was to kill President Bio, why in the world did he give his bag containing the gun to the security for safe keeping? Was his intention to kill the president by other means using his bare hands?
Throughout the history of coups in Africa, or Sierra Leone, I stand to be corrected, I have never heard about a one man mission to overthrow a government. Anytime there is a coup, there is a bunch of people involved, especially active members of the military or police. Since he is a retired member of the military, where on earth would the military support come from? Historically, for military take over to succeed, you will need some form of support from the active military personnel to man strategic areas like government buildings, enforcement of curfews, taking over radio and television broadcast stations. So as the new rulers you can inform the general public about what is going on. Even that is not guaranteed, as General Thomas Quiwonkpa found out in his attempt to overthrow Samuel K Doe, ironically supported by the government of President Momoh in 1985.
There has to be some form of support. As a former defence minister, Paolo conteh more than anyone else don’t need reminding international bodies, like ECOWAS, the AU, UN, and international financial institutions do not look kindly on military governments. And the people of Sierra Leone will not swallow it.
To me, reading the transcript, left me with the impression there has been a massive cockup by those responsible for securing our President. The issue now is they don’t want to admit it. They have to remember this is a life and death issue, not a game of brinkmanship. Otherwise they should produce the CCTV images to clear things up. Above all else, if Poalo Conteh had attempted anything, unless he was on a suicide mission, he would never have come out of State House alive. Why would he want to do that to himself and his family, and to some extent endanger the security of Sierra Leone?
Now it is really on – ” Paolo Conteh, don’t be afraid, don’t flinch, don’t bend, don’t water it down – tell it just like it is; no shaking – TRUTH is on your side.” And remember the words of Mahatma Ghandi “the truth never damages a cause that is just.” Now let that become your daily mantra, from now on, brother!
What was Paolo Conteh thinking? by taking a loaded gun to state house for a meeting with the first gentleman of the state. Brother A.A.Jalloh can you answer that question please. Let’s forget about the gun he attempted to enter the meeting with. For God shake if I attempt and succeed because security failed to stop me from entering with just a knife in a schedule meeting with you my brother, what would you think? Let’s be real sir.
I already posted but I am not seeing my post or any other posts. Also your website states my email address will NOT be published but is visible on your website.Is that not published?
Lol. Maraima Jabbie you cannot be serious making such outlandish conplaints on this glorious platform. I read your comment on one of the previous stories so why are you moaning. Get a pair of glasses! Lol
May Allah reveal the truth in this matter, ameen
Bottom line, the gallant Rtd Major Paolo Conteh must be released and President Bio has to sack the State House CSO, the Chief of Protocol and all the officials both in State House and the CID responsible for this excellent pre-investigation mess. It is unacceptable to see irresponsible government officials bringing such a reckless, irresponsible judicial disgrace and mess to his office. What a shame. Do they know what a treason offense is? I hope President Bio listens to my advice. God bless President Bio and long live the President.
Let the truth come out and let Justice prevail