2006 coup attempt case deferred

The trial on a two-count charge of concealment of treason, involving Alieu Lowe and Abdoulie Njie, could not proceed yesterday at the

The case was scheduled to continue with the cross-examination of the 1st accused, Abdoulie Njie, who earlier opened his defence.

The accused persons were present in court, including their defence counsel.

However, it was adjourned on the grounds that the trial judge was reported to be indisposed.

The case was then adjourned till 25 February 2013, for the cross-examination.

According to the particulars of offence on count one, on 16 March 2006 at diverse places in The Gambia, Abdoulie Njie and Alieu Lowe, knowing that Ndure Cham, Alieu Lowe, Hon. Demba Dem and others intended to stage a coup to overthrow the president and the democratically-elected government of The Gambia by force of arms, did not give the information thereof within all reasonable dispatches to a minister, magistrate, a police officer or a member of the armed forces, and thereby committed an offence.

The particulars of offence on count two stated that, on 19 March 2006 at diverse places in The Gambia, knowing that Ndure Cham, Alieu Lowe, Hon. Demba Dem and others intended to stage a coup, did not take reasonable steps to prevent the commission of the offence.

Count three stated that Alieu Lowe in November 2006, in Banjul within the jurisdiction of the court, gave false testimony in a criminal case No HC- 208-06-CS- 37-A and thereby committed an offence.

The accused persons denied the charges against them.