Eight New Magistrates Appointed

In a bit to further strengthen the country's judicial system, three magistrates were sworn-in by the Hon. Chief Justice at His Lordship's Chambers at the Law Courts, Banjul last Monday, a statement from the judiciary said yesterday.

"Mr. Joseph Enwa Ikpala, a Nigerian with twenty-one years post-call experience, was appointed as Principal Magistrate whilst Mr. Hilary Utebi Aheke, a Nigerian and Mr. Joseph Agbor Effim, a Cameroonian, were made First Class Magistrates", the statement said.

Principal Magistrate Kpala, according to the release, will head Kanifing Magistrates' Court and act as Trainer, while Magistrates Abeke and Effim will be posted after a two-week orientation at Kanifing.

The Judicial Service Commission, the statement added, has also appointed Mr. Aleambong Emmanuel Nkea, a Cameroonian and former Attorney-General's Chambers lawyer, to head the Magistrates' Court at Banjul as the Principal.

"Another Principal from Nigeria who is expected soon will head the Court at Brikama", the statement further stated.

The statement also revealed that the Commission also further appointed three First Class Magistrates, Mr. Charles W. Sarr Thomas and two graduates in law from the University of Sierra Leone, Ms Sierrending Sanneh and Ibrahima Kijera. Also appointed as a Class II Magistrate is a retired Police Commander, Mr. Momodou L.K Bojang, MRG.

These appointments took effect in August and September.

The senior recruitments were made to fill vacancies caused by the recent elevation of four senior magistrates as Judges of High Court.