The
trial involving 28 government officials could not proceed yesterday before
Magistrate Omar Cham of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.
When
the case was mentioned, police prosecutor ASP Manga stood up and the told the
court he was representing the IGP along with S. Sanyang and PC 4415 Fatoumata
Jallow-Keita.
Lawyer
Camara said he was representing the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 14th, 15th,
16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 24th, and 27th accused persons, adding that he was with
Combeh Gaye-Coker representing the 19th accused person.
He
stated that he was also representing the 23rd accused along with lawyer
Batchilly.
Lawyer
Surahata Janneh represented the 6th, 7th, and 20th accused persons. He said he
was representing the 20th accused person with lawyer Batchilly.
Lawyer
Hawa Sisay-Sabally represented the 25th, 28th and 26th accused persons.
Lawyer
Omar Njie represented the 11th and 12th accused persons and with him was
Patrick Gomez representing the 11th accused persons.
Lawyer
Patrick Gomez represented the 3rd and 17th accused persons.
ASP
Manga told the court the matter was adjourned for hearing, but unfortunately
they were not able to proceed because investigations were ongoing.
He
then craved the court’s indulgence to grant them an adjournment, adding that they
would inform the court of their position at the next adjournment date.
Lawyer
Surahata rose and told the court that they have no objection to the application
made by the prosecutor to adjourn the case, but said the accused persons were
sacked and they should know their fate.
Hawa
Sisay-Sabally then said she hoped the prosecution would proceed with the case
on the adjournment date.
Magistrate
Cham subsequently adjourned the case until 22 August 2016, for hearing.
The
accused persons were charged with neglect of official duty and abuse of office,
which they denied.
