The Prosecutor-General’s Office at the Conakry Court of Appeal on Tuesday announced the transfer of detained Commander Toumba Diakite from the central prison in the Guinean capital to a facility in Coyah, northeast of Conakry.
In an official statement, authorities said an unannounced inspection was conducted on Monday at Conakry’s Central prison, during which prohibited items including mobile phones, psychotropic substances and bladed weapons were seized from some inmates.
During the operation, Diakite reportedly refused to comply with the search, displayed aggressive behaviour and made threats against security officers, creating tension among detainees. The penitentiary Administration subsequently decided on Tuesday to transfer him to Coyah prison to maintain order and ensure the safety of inmates and staff.
Earlier that morning, gunfire was heard around 0930 GMT in the Coronthie neighbourhood of Kaloum, Conakry’s administrative and economic district, where the central prison is located. Local media reported that special forces exchanged fire with other armed soldiers in the area.
Security forces later restored calm, and traffic resumed in central Conakry, although movement towards the downtown area remained lighter than usual, according to reports from the scene.
Diakite, whose full name is Aboubacar Sidiki Diakite, was sentenced in July 2024 to 10 years’ imprisonment in connection with the September 28, 2009 stadium massacre in Conakry, in which local media reported that more than 150 people were killed during a rally.