In GNPC case: 10th accused granted bail

The 10th accused person, Madun Sanyang, in the GNPC case, was yesterday granted bail by Justice O. Ottaba of the Special Criminal Court in Banjul.

He was granted bail of US$900,000 with two Gambian sureties, who should be Gambians and must deposit the title deed of a landed property located within the jurisdiction of the court.

The sureties should enter into recognisance for the presence of the applicant in court to stand trial.

The sureties must attach copies of their passport-size photos with the registrar of the court, and deposed to an affidavit of means.

The accused persons are Sira Wally Ndow-Njai, Momodou O.S. Badjie, Fafa Sanyang, Cherno Marena, Seedy Kanyi, Muntaga Momodou Sallah, Momodou Taal, Louie Moses Mendy and Noah Touray and Madun Sanyang.

When the case was called, B. Jaiteh appeared for the state, whilst the defendants were represented by senior counsel A.A.B. Gaye, O.M.M. Njie, C. Gaye, E. Sanneh, H.S. Sabally, Y. Senghore, B. Bouye E.E. Chime, C.E Mene, S. Taal and S. Sillah.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Ottaba said the applicant was charged with one count of economic crime and conspiracy to commit felony, which he denied.

He said counsel L.S. Camara submitted that the applicant had been in custody since his arrest.

Counsel also said they were relying on all paragraphs in the affidavit.

Counsel had submitted that the respondent briefs of arguments did not state anything that would warrant the court to deny the applicant bail, and did urge the court to grant the applicant bail.

The judge added that the respondent urged the court to refuse the application, and relied on all the paragraphs in the respondent’s affidavit.

He said he had carefully looked at the information presented to him for consideration.

He also said the very essence of bail is to ensure the appearance of the applicant in court.

Looking at the nature of the offence it did not attract any death sentence upon conviction, the judge went on, and that in view of the above he would exercise his discretion in favour of the applicant, and grant him bail on the above terms.

The case continues on 22 December 2016.