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Defence complains of delay in client's case

Feb 4, 2010, 12:58 PM | Article By: Dawda Faye

Lawyer Edu Gomez, representing Modou Manga, who is standing trial for allegedly stealing from his former employer, Kanilai Group International, yesterday told the Kanifing Magistrates' Court that his client's rights are being infringed.

He told the court that for two years now the prosecution has only called two witnesses. He adduced that if the prosecution fails to bring their witnesses, he would urge the court to declare their case closed.

As a result, Magistrate Kayode after going through the case file expressed concern over the impediments to the case. He asked the prosecuting officer in the case, Inspector Mballow, why it took the prosecution a whole two years to bring only two witnesses to testify.

In response, police prosecutor Mballow told the court that the prosecution has a prospective witness to call, but he was nowhere to be found, and hence applied for a subpoena to be issued for his arrest.

However, Magistrate Kayode told the prosecutor that the witness is yet to testify, and that it is the business of the prosecution to bring their witnesses to court.

He then adjourned the case to 17th February 2010 for the prosecution to bring their witness, or close their case.

Modou Manga's case was at first heard by former Magistrate Buba Jawo in 2008. He had since pleaded not guilty to the charge.