Lai Conteh Application Dismissed

The Banjul High Court presided over by Justice Joseph Wowo yesterday dismissed the 'Autrofois Acquit' application filed by the accused Abdoulie Conteh.

The Defence earlier filed Autrofois Acquit Application, that the accused Abdoulie Conteh was acquitted by the High Court.

However the application was dismissed following a ruling delivered by the court, and asked the accused to take a plea on the new information filed by the State against him.

The leading defence Counsel Antuman Gaye informed the court that they are not prepared to take the plea as they are filing a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

The fresh charge preferred against the accused Abdoulie Conteh relates to economic crime.

The case was adjourned to 10^th February 2009.

It could be recalled that the accused Abdoulie Conteh was acquitted by the Banjul High Court on charges of Economic Crimes, resisting arrest at the BanjulInternationalAirport, and obstruction of the police in the execution of their duties.

However following an objection to the charges by the defence, the court subsequently acquitted him on all the charges preferred against him.

The State appealed against the high court decision at the Court of Appeal and the State's appeal was upheld. The Court of Appeal later urged the State to amend and proceed with the case if they so wish.