Concealment of Treason Trial, State Independent Witness Appears

Babou Loum, the state independent witness on Monday testified before Justice M.M Yamoa of the Banjul High Court as the trial of marabout Hamadi Sowe continued.

Hamadi Sowe is charged with concealment of treason following the 21st March 2006 foiled coup.

Testifying, Babou Loum told the court that he recognised the accused Hamadi Sowe and that on the 19th April 2006 he was called by Detective Sgt Ndure of the major crime unit to serve as an independent witness in obtaining the voluntary statement of the accused Hamadi Sowe at Mile 2 State Central Prison. " I accepted the invitation and went to Mile 2. Upon arrival I was escorted to where Sgt Ndure was," he stated. " I was introduced to the accused as the independent witness,"  he added.

Further testifying, the state independent witness told the court that the accused was informed by Sgt Ndure that they wished to obtain his voluntary statement, adding that the accused gave his statement voluntarily. He said after obtaining the voluntary statement it was read to the accused. He stated that the accused said he was satisfied and provided his thumb print. He informed the court that he [Babou Loum] too signed the statement as the independent witness and Detective Sgt Ndure also signed the statement as the officer who had obtained it.

The case has been adjourned to 23rd June.