The
Caliph General of Darsilameh Sangajor, Muhideen Hydara, yesterday told the
court he did not conspire with the second accused, the village alkalo, nor did
they jointly decide to disobey a lawful order.
He added that they did not pray on 28 July 2014 because they did not see the moon on Sunday but on Monday, and so they prayed on Tuesday.
Muhideen Hydara was continuing his testimony in the trial involving him and the village Alkalo, Buyeh Touray, accused of conspiracy and disobedience to lawful order before Magistrate Omar Cham of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.
Proceeding with his defence, Sheikh Hydara told the court that at Imam Fatty’s place, he was not requested to do anything neither was he asked to apologize, adding that apart from Imam Fatty and Momodou Lamin Touray, president of the Supreme Islamic Council, who spoke at the meeting, one Ebrima Jarju also spoke.
He could not recall the number of people at the meeting, at a place called the Supreme Islamic Council, and that the meeting ended peacefully and he was returned to Yundum Police.
He did not conspire with the second accused nor did they jointly decide to disobey a lawful order, adding that they did not pray on 28 July 2014 because they did not see the moon on that Sunday but on Monday, and therefore they prayed on Tuesday. Under cross-examination by prosecutor Sarr, who asked whether it was correct that he is the Caliph General of The Gambia up to Senegal, the witness answered in the affirmative.
He said he has followers who follow his instructions, with the help of God.
He said he knows the President is the executive leader of the country.
When asked whether it is correct that the President has the executive authority over all in the country, senior counsel Gaye objected to the question, saying it was a legal question and the accused is in no position to answer the question.
Prosecutor Sarr responded that it was a matter of yes or no question, and there were no legalities.
Prosecutor Sarr further asked whether it was correct that he led the congregational prayers on 29 July 2014, and he answered in the affirmative.
Further asked whether it was correct that the second accused was among the congregation, and he again answered in the affirmative.
“Is it correct that whatever the President said should be respected,” the prosecutor asked.
However, senior council Gaye objected to the question, saying it is an ‘omnibus’ question which could lead to many questions.
The case was adjourned to 9 and 13 April 2015.
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