The resumed trial of Hamadi Sowe, who was charged with concealment of treason in the aftermath of the 21st March 2006 foiled, on yesterday saw the testimony of Superintendent Malamin Ceesay (PW1), Officer Commanding Major Crimes unit of the Gambia Police Force. OC Ceesay told the Banjul High Court before Justice M.M. Yemoa that he got to know the accused, Hamadi Sowe, when he was brought before the panel of investigators in respect of the 21st March coup. He adduced that the accused was arrested by soldiers and brought for investigation in connection to the 21st March foiled coup.
Further testifying, OC Ceesay told the court that the accused was questioned about his knowledge, role and involvement in to the foiled coup, adding that after the explanation, a Sgt. Ndure was instructed to obtain statements from him. He said that the statements were witnessed by an independent witness, Babou Loum. The cautionary statement was later tendered in court as exhibit. The defence counsel, Neneh Cham, objected to the tendering of the voluntary statement on the grounds that it was obtained under duress. The objection was upheld and the court ordered a mini-trial to test the voluntariness of the statement.
The case was at that juncture adjourned to 9th June 2008.
