Calvin Kamara, son of the late Capt. Abubakarr Kamara, popularly known as Capt. ABK, has called for justice over his father’s execution in 1998, accusing local media outlets of denying him opportunities to speak publicly about the case.
In a video circulating on social media on October 19, 2026, Calvin expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of freedom of speech and reluctance among media organizations to discuss the execution of 24 soldiers under the government of former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
Calvin alleged that he had approached several media personalities and outlets, seeking an opportunity to explain his concerns. He said those efforts had not resulted in a platform to address the issue.
He accused the media of avoiding the subject because of its sensitivity and said he felt disappointed that his concerns had not been heard. He argued that journalists should provide space for people to express their grievances, particularly on matters involving alleged injustices and historical events.
Calvin said he wanted the public to hear his account of the executions and assess whether the soldiers had received a fair trial. He also claimed to possess information about the 24 executed soldiers and those who survived the death sentences but were imprisoned.
He maintained that his father’s execution was unjust and alleged that political considerations influenced the decision to execute him. He further argued that the families of the soldiers had suffered an injustice because, in his account, those sentenced to death were not given a meaningful opportunity to appeal before their executions.
The case dates to Sierra Leone’s political crisis in 1997, when military officers led by Maj. Johnny Paul Koroma overthrew Kabbah’s elected government and established the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), which collaborated with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebel group.
On October 12, 1998, a military court sentenced 34 soldiers to death for treason and related offenses linked to their involvement in the junta. Ten other soldiers received life sentences.
Seven days later, on October 19, 1998, the government executed 24 soldiers by firing squad at a beach in Freetown.
Calvin also pointed to the subsequent careers of some soldiers who received life sentences, alleging that the different outcomes raised questions about fairness and accountability. He cited former Chief of Defence Staff Nelson Williams as an example, claiming that some of those imprisoned later served under the government of Kabbah.
He said he felt deprived of the opportunity to explain what he believed had happened during the executions and urged the government to address what he described as continuing injustices in Sierra Leone.
Calvin called on the authorities to monitor and tackle injustice, saying he wanted the public to understand the circumstances surrounding his father’s death and the fate of the other soldiers.
His allegations about media access, the fairness of the military proceedings and the political motivations behind the executions could not be independently verified from the information available. The media outlets and individuals he named were not quoted responding to his claims.