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Trial of 28 Gov’t officials suffers setback

Aug 2, 2016, 10:16 AM | Article By: Dawda Faye

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.