The new bill of indictment filed against three Fisheries ministry officials, out of the nine accused persons, was yet to be brought before Justice Abi of the Banjul High court.
The nine fisheries officials are Amadou Saine; Nfamara Dampha, former director of fisheries; Famara Darboe; Dr Demba Banja, then permanent secretary; Kebba Konjira; Joseph Gabidon; Musa Jawla; Abdoulie Njie, and Momodou Njie.
They were earlier indicted on an eleven-count charge ranging from multiple counts of neglect of official duty, to economic crime and abuse of office at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.
DPP Barkun and Adeyemi appeared for the state.
SM Tambadou appeared for the 3rd, 6th and 9th accused persons; E. Singhateh appeared for the 2nd accused and H.S. Sabally appeared for the 4th accused person. The 5th and 7th accused persons were unrepresented.
When the case was called, DPP Barkun told the court that during the last sitting the prosecution had filed a bill of indictment against three out of the nine accused persons, and added that he did not know if the bill of indictment was transmitted to the court.
Justice Abi responded that the bill of indictment was not before the court, and asked the DPP to check with the Chief Justice, because it could be re-assigned to another court since it was a fresh matter.
He then asked the state to check to ensure if the case has been assigned to another court.
The matter was then adjourned for 29 July 2015, for mention.Â
