Defence objection overruled in Graham case

Acting-Principal Magistrate Alagba of the Banjul Magistrates' Court yesterday overruled the defence counsel's objection to the court's jurisdiction to try the economic crimes charge against Edward Graham, former managing director of the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation.

Graham is being tried on charges of abuse of office and economic crimes.

Defence counsel Lamin Camara earlier made a preliminary objection that the lower court lacks jurisdiction to try economic crimes offences.

In delivering his ruling, Magistrate Alagba stated that he has heard the argument of both the prosecution and the defence, as to whether or not the court has jurisdiction over the case.

He added that he totally disagreed with the defence that the court lacked jurisdiction to try the case, adding that the case does not fall under the category of the offences which the court lacks jurisdiction to try.He consequently overruled the defence counsel's preliminary objection, and adjourned the case to 6 June 2011, for cross examination.