The trial on a charge of abuse of office involving Abdoulie Manneh, former Permanent Secretary 2 at the Ministry of Local Government and Lands, and Malamin Jatta, Director of Lands and Surveys at the Department of Lands and Surveys, could not proceed yesterday at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court before the Principal Magistrate Tabally.
When the case was called, the prosecuting officer, Superintendent Joof, told the court that the case was for hearing, and that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the hearing.
However, the accused persons were being represented by lawyer Lamin S. Camara, who was said to have been out of the jurisdiction.
The case was subsequently adjourned to 12th October 2011.
It was alleged in count one that in 2006, at the Department of Lands and Surveys in Banjul, the accused persons being employed in the public service and by virtue of their positions as the Director of Lands and Survey, abused their office by allocating a plot of land at Old Jashwang belonging to one Alhagie Karamu Mustapha Ceesay (Alkalo) to Elton Oil company without his consent, and thereby committed an offence.
Count two further alleged that in 2006, at the Department of Lands and Surveys in Banjul, being the employed in the public services and by virtue of their positions the accused persons facilitated the transfer of ownership of various plots of land to Malamin Kala Bojang, Sheriff Kuyateh and Aji Amie John respectively without following the proper proceeds, and thereby committed an offence.