16
persons were on Wednesday 20 September 2017, arraigned before Principal
Magistrate, Omar Cham of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court indicted with three
counts of common nuisance, idle and disorderly behaviour and obstruction on a public
highway.
The
accused persons are: Kalilu Dampha, Jakaria Jallow, Bakary Jadama, Momodou
Sanyang, Ebrima Sama, Dembo Beyai, Amadou Jeng, Lamin Saidy, Alieu Sawaneh,
Seedy Sanneh, Ensa Demba, Lamin Touray, Assan Touray, Sedia Sanneh, Omar
Kuyateh and Modou Njie.
Count
one stated that the accused persons on 21 August 2017, between 07:00-08:00
hours at Lamin Village and diverse places in the Kombo North District of West
Coast Region, obstructed or caused nuisance, danger and annoyance to the
general public.
Count
two stated that the accused persons on the said date and place conducted
themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace.
Count
three stated that the accused persons on the said date and place wilfully
prevented any person or vehicle from passing along Lamin- Tabokoto Highway by
obstructing movement on the highway.
Testifying
before the court, the first prosecution witness, corporal Fabakary Fatty,
recalled that on 21 August 2017, he was at the PIU headquarters in Kanifing
when he received an information, through their duty commander, Inspector
Jalang, that some people were demonstrating around Lamin-Tabokoto Highway,
causing obstruction to traffic on the highway.
The
witness revealed that upon receipt of the said information, they left for the
scene with other PIU personnel, led by Inspector Kanyi, Sgt Trawally, CPL
Nyassi and 1st Class Jatta.
The
witness further revealed that on arrival, they saw the accused persons on the
highway, obstructing traffic and preventing people from boarding transport.
They were chanting “transport fares should not be reduced.”
The
witness said the accused persons were arrested and taken to Yumdum Police
Station.
Hearing
continues on 10 October 2017.