At the treason trial of Bai Mahmoud Bangura, National Organizing Secretary of the All People’s Congress Party (APC), defense lawyer Macaulay urged Justice Kamanda to acquit and discharge his client, citing a lack of compelling evidence.

Bangura, arrested on November 29, 2023, faces charges including misprision of treason and harbouring. Macaulay contested the prosecution’s case, highlighting gaps in evidence, particularly paragraphs 66 and 67 of the prosecution’s reply and exhibits U1 to U17, which showed Bangura’s only connection to co-accused Mohamed Jalloh as a tenant in the same compound since 2019.

Macaulay emphasized the absence of evidence linking Bangura to illegal activities and argued that the prosecution failed to meet the burden of proof for all charges.

He cited the Lansana case as a precedent for discharge due to insufficient evidence and implored the court to acquit Bangura promptly to prevent unjust detention. The court will now deliberate on the defense’s motion.