Twenty-six staff of the Gambian Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) were on Monday arraigned before Principal Magistrate Abeke of the Brikama Magistrates' Court, charged with conspiracy and three counts of specified offences.
The accused persons are Abdoulie Nyang, Yusupha Jallow, Nuha Badjie, Momodou B. Cham, Ismaila Sanneh, Sulayman Camara, Alasana Manjang, Fatou Sanneh, Glaston Stoner, Sang Maria Jatta, Sulayman Sanneh, Fansu Jatta, Momodou M. Jammeh, Yankuba Badjie, Sanusi Badjie, Alasana Jammeh, Fabakary Saidykhan, Yusupha Colley, Yaya Ceesay, Fansumana Bojang, Ebrima Badjie, Alhagie Sanyang, Salieu Barry, Yaya Jammeh, Abdoulie Jeng, Amie Sabel Busso.
According to the particulars of offence on count one, between 17 June 2010 and 9 September 2010, at the Banjul International Airport in the Kombo North district of the West Coast Region, the accused persons conspired together to commit a felony to wit stealing.
Count two stated that from the 1st to 12th accused persons, on the same dates and place, being employees of the GCAA (a public body) corruptly and dishonestly abused their office for their private benefit by stealing 4,838 liters of gas oil, the property of GCAA.
On count three, from the 13th to the 25th accused persons, on the same date and place, being employed by the GCAA (a public body) abused their office by stealing 4,838 liters of gas oil, valued at D154,816.00 and caused losses and damage to the GCAA.
Count four read that all the accused persons on the same date and in Lamin village, being citizens or residents of The Gambia, illegally or dishonestly acquired the property of GCAA, being a public body.
All the accused persons denied the charges, except the 8th and 9th accused, who were absent from court.
Meanwhile, the accused persons were each granted court bail of D500,000 with two Gambian sureties each, who must have landed property within the jurisdiction. The accused persons were also asked to deposit all their travel documents with the court.
The case was subsequently adjourned till 23 May 2011 for hearing.