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Former Works Minister Ousman Badjie concludes evidence-in-chief

Feb 16, 2016, 10:43 AM | Article By: Halimatou Ceesay

Former Works Minister Ousman Badjie, charged with economic crime, yesterday concluded his evidence-in-chief before Justice Abi of the Banjul High Court.

When the case was called, AM Yusuf represented the state while defence counsel L.S. Camara appeared for the accused.

Defence counsel L.S. Camara then asked the accused to look at defence exhibit D and C, which he did.

Counsel asked him if he had any explanation on the figures contained on the exhibits.

He said it was cash withdrawal from the bank with cheque number 2203461 amounting to 27,500 Euros.

He said the exhibit was the findings of Momodou Lamin Bah, Director of National Treasury during his mission in Paris.

He said it was stipulated that the total amount not accounted for is 34,755.68 Euros signed by the Director of National Treasury, deputy head of mission, the new financial attaché and the protocol welfare officer at the embassy.

Asked by counsel who had custody of the safe, Badjie said Faisal Bojang the financial attaché at the time had custody of the safe.

He added that the financial attaché was responsible for collecting the revenue, and for banking the sums collected.

Asked by counsel Camara if he signed any part of the defence exhibit, he said he did not sign any part of the defence exhibit.

Counsel Camara then announced the end of the accused person’s evidence-in-chief.

State prosecutor AM Yusuf said since they would appear at court today, he would apply for an adjournment.

The case continues today at 10 a.m. for cross-examination.