By Emma Black

Sahid Delwyn Saccoh, a 43-year-old Sierra Leonean, was ordered to stand trial in the High Court on Monday, April 14, 2025, charged with failing to report a mutiny aimed at overthrowing President Julius Maada Bio’s government and possessing illegal drugs. Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 1, citing compelling evidence, escalated the case, highlighting Sierra Leone’s resolve to confront threats to national stability.
Saccoh faces two serious charges: failure to disclose information about an intended mutiny, a violation of national security laws, and possession of prohibited drugs specifically, dry leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa (diamba) under the National Drugs Control Act. according to the charge sheet, on September 5, 2024, in Freetown, Saccoh withheld knowledge of a plot to destabilize the government and was found with the illicit substance during a related probe.
The prosecution presented six witnesses, whose consistent testimonies convinced Magistrate Bangura, the evidence is clear Saccoh is fit for high court trial, he ruled, advancing the case to a higher jurisdiction. The mutiny charge, a rare and grave offense, could carry life imprisonment, reflecting the state’s firm stance against subversion, particularly after sporadic unrest in recent years.
In a packed courtroom, Saccoh pleaded for mercy, proclaiming his innocence. I’ve done nothing wrong worked with former Speaker Abass Bundu and stayed out of trouble,” he said, his voice tinged with desperation, when asked if he would testify or call witnesses in the High court, he replied, I’ll speak for myself, even without a lawyer, his choice to self-represent, observers noted, may complicate his defense in a high-stakes trial. Bangura denied bail, citing the charges’ severity, and remanded Saccoh until his court date, likely within weeks.
The case has stirred unease in Freetown, where security threats resonate deeply, any plot against our government threatens our peace,” said civil servant Mariama Conteh, reflecting public concern, others, like trader Fatmata Sesay, urged fairness, he says he’s innocent; let the court prove the truth.” The drug charge, though less prominent, ties into Sierra Leone’s broader anti-drug efforts, with cannabis seizures up 10% in 2024, per police data.
Saccoh’s link to Bundu, a respected figure, has fuelled debate, he was always respectful, not a troublemaker, said neighbour Abu Kamara, puzzled by the allegations. Sceptics, however, point to the prosecution’s evidence, bolstered by multiple witnesses, the government, wary of dissent since 2023’s coup attempt, has reiterated its commitment to rooting out threats, with officials citing Vice President Juldeh Jalloh’s recent calls for vigilance.
Legal advocates raised alarms about Saccoh’s lack of counsel. No one should face such charges alone, said Fatima Koroma of Legal Aid Sierra Leone, offering support, the trial will challenge the judiciary to balance