Sarjo Fofona’s appeal set for adoption of briefs

The three-member panel of judges of the Gambia Court of Appeal yesterday adjourned the appeal case involving former Navy commander Rear Admiral Sarjo Fofona, for adoption of briefs by both parties.

Sarjo Fofona filed an appeal before the said court challenging the decision of the Special Criminal Court that convicted and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment on treasonable offences.

During yesterday’s hearing of the case, the appellant’s counsel, Lawyer L.K. Mboge, told the court that the appellant had amended the notice of appeal, and he deemed it unnecessary to file additional grounds of appeal, since the records were before the court.

He then applied for 30 days to file the appellant’s briefs of argument.

The state counsel, Katusabu, also applied for 30 days to file their briefs.

The case was then adjourned to 22 October 2013, for adoption of briefs.

Sarjo Fofona was convicted and sentenced alongside Lang Tombong Tamba by the Special Criminal Court in Banjul in May 2011, to 20 years imprisonment on four counts of treasonable offences in connection with the 21st March 2006 abortive coup attempt, alleged to have been masterminded by the former chief of defence staff, Colonel Ndure Cham.

Tamba and Fofana were sentenced on count one, which was conspiracy to commit treason, to 20 years imprisonment and on count two, which was treason, to another 20 years imprisonment.

Lang Tombong Tamba was also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on count three, concealment of treason, and on count four, concealment of treason, to another 10 years imprisonment

The charges preferred against the former senior military officers included conspiracy to commit treason, treason, and concealment of treason, charges which both men denied.