In NIA Diamond case, Third Accused Person Testifies

Kajali Jawara, who is the third accused person in the NIA diamond case, testified on 17th September, 2009 before Principal Magistrate Joseph Ikpala of the Kanifing Magistrates' Court.

In his testimony, Jawara told the court that he is a resident of Tujereng Village and was working with the NIA. He adduced that he was the officer commanding of Tourism Development Area. He stated that he knew the other accused persons in the case and that he is a junior person to the 1st and 6th accused persons, but he noted that the four remaining accused persons are his juniors.

He testified further that he had met the Germans at Senegambia Beach Hotel and confronted them in their rooms with an allegation of being in possession of suspected blood diamond from Sierra Leone. He stated that the Germans denied being in possession of the said pieces of diamond.

He went further to say that Lamin Sanneh, Fabakary Barrow and himself did not find anything in the rooms of the Germans when they searched them. He revealed that there was another person by the name Alfusainey Jarjue and Adama Bangura, who were present during the search.

He indicated that Alfusainey Jarju gave two statements at Kotu Police Station, the NIA headquarters in Banjul and police headquarters before the panel of investigators and in court. He further stated that when they searched the rooms of the Germans, they said the diamonds were with Dr. Alamy.

He told the court that no monies were taken from the Germans, and that no mobile phones were also taken from them during the search.

He denied that he stole stainless steel pocket saver and Nokia 6310 mobile phone. He added that Alfusainey Jarju said in his statement that nothing was found on the two Germans, only to say in another statement that one diamond was found.

He confirmed that he was present when Adama Bangura testified at the Commission of Enquiry.

He testified that Adama Bangura never said in her statement that he took something from the Germans. He concluded by saying that he did not take any money from Adama Bangura.

The case was adjourned to 23rd September, 2009, for cross examination by the State Counsel, Shamaka.

Lawyer Jobarteh and Combeh Gaye represented the accused persons.