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GNPC officials case: Fafa Sanyang still under NIA custody

Oct 7, 2016, 10:49 AM | Article By: Halimatou Ceesay

The economic crime case involving 10 GNPC officials failed to proceed yesterday before Justice O. Ottaba of the Special Criminal Court in Banjul due to the continuing detention of the 3rd accused person, Fafa Sanyang, at the NIA.

When the case was called, the Director of Public Prosecutions, S.H. Barkun, appeared for the state alongside deputy DPP M.B. Abubacarr, A. Yakubu, M. Koita and S.K. Jobe.

Counsel M.A. Samba, S. Taal, L.S. Camara, E. Sanneh, E. Gomez, L. Farage, B.S. Touray and B. Bouye represented the defendants.

L.S. Camara then said: “My client was granted bail by this honourable court, but he is still with the National Intelligence Agency.”

The DPP then said the matter was slated for mention.

The trial judge then asked him about the 3rd accused person, Fafa Sanyang.

DPP said he was told by counsel for the 3rd accused that the accused was with the NIA, and that by virtue of section 24 sub (3f) they could not proceed with the matter.

He said he did not know the source of counsel’s information, and that he would ask for a stand down to find out if Fafa Sanyang was with the NIA or any other agency.

The trial judge said he was “frowning” at the DPP’s application for a stand-down.

Counsel L. Farage said she did not understand why they are talking about the stand-down, because even if the accused was brought the case could not proceed because he had to consult with his counsel.

She said rather than wasting the time of the court, they thought it prudent to ask for some time.

The DPP said he would endeavour to serve notice to the NIA about the 3rd accused person.

The trial judge said the accused was absent, and they could not proceed without him being present in court.

The case continues on 20 October 2016, at 1p.m, for mention.