When the case was called, the state represented by counsel Olimatou Danso told the court they should have proceeded with their seventh witness, but could not reach him on the phone.
She, therefore, asked for an adjournment, adding that on the next adjourned date they would endeavour to bring him.
In response, defence counsel Singhateh said the case has been going on for 18 months and the state has called six witnesses.
He said the state was dragging the case, and urged the court to close the prosecution’s case and asked the defence to open its case or make a no-case-to-answer submission.
The trial judge, Justice Amadi, said that in 18 months the prosecution had called only six witnesses, a number which could have been called in three months under normal circumstances.
He said that in the interest of justice, which should not be abused, he would adjourn the case for the last time, but if the witness does not appear in court, he would close the prosecution’s case and allow defence to open its case.
The case continues on 19 January 2015.
