Defense Counsel F. Mansaray, representing the second accused, Mohamed Jalloh, disclosed to Justice Komba Kamanda, the presiding judge in the ongoing treason trial of Amadu Koita Makolo and 11 others, that his client endured torture, electrocution, and coercion by the police in Benghazi, leading to a forced confessional statement

In a significant development during the ongoing treason trial involving Amadu Koita Makolo and 11 others, defense counsel Lawyer F Mansaray revealed that the second accused, Mohamed Jalloh, was allegedly tortured and forced to confess by the police at Benghazi. The disclosure came as the eighth prosecution witness prepared to present Jalloh’s statement in evidence.

Detective Police Sergeant 8526 Issa Kamara, the witness, testified about discovering military items in Jalloh’s apartment and outlined the investigation process. However, when attempting to submit Jalloh’s statements, Mansaray objected, claiming they were involuntarily obtained through beatings and electrocution in Benghazi.

Mansaray argued that Jalloh’s request for a lawyer was denied, and a Voi dire trial was sought to assess the voluntariness of the confession. The prosecutor agreed to a Voi dire trial but urged specificity in its scope, maintaining the statements were voluntary. Justice Kamanda ruled in favor of a Voi dire trial, clearing the court for proceedings, which are set to resume on Monday, March 4, 2024.