Defence Counsel Withdraws in Ex-NAM, Soldier Drug Case

According to the presiding Principal Magistrate Edrissa Mbai of the Banjul Magistrates' Court, the defence counsel Amie Joof-Conteh had informed the court on the last adjourned date that she no longer represents the accused persons in the case.

Magistrate Mbai also said that the State Counsel had not communicated to the court the reason for his absence during 5th February 2009 hearing of the case.

The accused persons for their part applied to the court to grant them a fortnight's adjournment to enable them look for another counsel to represent them in the case.

Former Nianija NAM Dawda Manneh and Demba Baldeh, are standing trial on charges of being in possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, as well as conspiracy. They were alleged to have conspired to traffic 9 kilograms and 260 grams of suspected drugs (cannabis).

They denied the charges.

The case has been adjourned to 19th February 2009.