Gambian Diplomat's Case Withdrawn

The criminal case against Lamin B. Sanyang, alias Sabi, has been withdrawn by the state.

Lamin Sanyang, Financial Attache at the Gambia Embassy in the United States was charged with "funds received by agents for sale", a charge he denied. The case, which was supposed to be heard yesterday, was withdrawn on Friday 27th March 2009.

The withdrawal letter, dated 25th March 2009 and signed by the Secretary General reads: "Executive directives have been given for the withdrawal of the case against Lamin B. Sanyang (Sabi) and for all charges to be dropped against him.

"You are kindly urged to execute this directive immediately."

The prosecutor, ASP Touray, in applying to the court for withdrawal said: "We are applying for a withdrawal under section 68(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

"The reason is that we have received a letter from the Office of the President signed by the Secretary General."

The application was granted by Principal Magistrate Edrissa Mbai and the accused was subsequently discharged accordingly.

Mr. Sanyang was alleged to have some time in the month of March 2008 at Banjul and diverse places in The Gambia received the sum of USD 26, 761 from the Gambia Government for the purchase of Rock Master Drills, 5 pieces of VTX 620 (13HP) drill machines, and failed to deliver the items received in exchange for the money.

He was first arraigned on the 16th March 2009 and was granted a court bail.