In NIA Diamond Case, Defense Counsel Fails To Turn up

The Defence Counsel in the NIA Diamond case yesterday Tuesday 30th June 2009, failed to appear in court to defend their clients: Lamin Drammeh, Basiru Jabang, Kajali Jawara, Lamin Sanneh, Fabakary Barrow and Salimina Drammeh, who were charged with stealing, abuse of office and criminal trespass, an allegation they all denied.

Senior Magistrate Sainabou Wadda-Ceesay of the Kanifing Magistrates' Court presided over the case.

She told the court that it was disrespectful to the court in the absence of the Defence Counsel not to communicate to the court.

She went to say that, since the Defence Counsel for the first accused was not present to tell the court whether the first accused has closed his defence or not, the court deemed it closed. She then adjourned the case to 1st July 2009, for the second accused to open his defence.