Lamin Jatta, one Haruna (at large), Amadou Bah, Lamin Hydara, and Bai Malen Ndow were arraigned on 18 March 2015, before Magistrate Bojang of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court and charged with stealing, among other charges.
They were charged with five counts of conspiracy, stealing, willful damage to property, accessory after the fact and receiving stolen property.
Prosecutors stated in count one that Lamin Jatta, one Haruna (at large), Amadou Bah and Lamin Hydara on 11 January 2015, at the Independence Stadium at Bakau in the Kanifing Municipality, conspired to commit a felony, that is, to steal.
It was alleged in count two that Lamin Jatta, one Haruna (at large), Amadou Bah and Lamin Hydara on the same date and place stole a Mercedes Benze 190 registration number BJL 1359H valued at D160,000, being the property of one Ebrima Jeng.
Count three stated that Lamin Jatta within the months of January and February 2015, at Serrekunda London Corner willfully destroyed a Mercedes Benz 190 registration number BJL 1359H valued at D160,000 to be used as scrapped metal , the property of Ebrima Jeng.
Prosecutors alleged in count four that Bai Malen Ndow at Serrekunda and diverse places accessed the sale of the parts of a Mercedes Beng 190 registration number 1359H valued at D160,000, which was stolen from Ebrima Jeng at the Independence Staduim at Bakau.
It was alleged in count five that Bai Malen Ndow within the months of January and February 2015, at the same place received from Lamin Jatta a Mercedes Benz registration number BJL 1359H valued at D160,000 with intent to dispose of parts of the said vehicle, knowing or having reason to believe that the said vehicle was stolen.
They all denied any wrongdoing.
Magistrate Bojang then granted them bail in the sum of D300,000 each with a Gambian surety who should swear to an affidavit of means, and to surrender an ID card.
The case was adjourned to 1 April 2015, for hearing.
Police prosecutor Sergeant 544 Jaiteh represented the IGP.