The
trial involving Lamin Waa Juwara, former minister of Regional Administrations,
Lands and Traditional Rulers, and others was yesterday set for adoption of
briefs before acting principal magistrate Ms Jallow of the Banjul Magistrates’
Court.
Other accused persons are Hamidou Jallow, principal lands and valuation officer, and one Tamsir Onasis Konteh, a businessman.
When the case was called, the lead defence counsel, Sheriff Marie Tambedou, told the court the case was set for the adoption of briefs filed by both sides.
The state was aware of the date set for the adoption of briefs and the court was deemed fit to adopt the briefs, he added.
Counsel said the absence of the state prosecutor could not prejudice the case and the court could deem both addresses as adopted.
However, the trial magistrate said he would adjourn the case to give the state the benefit of the doubt, even though they did not notify the court.
He said the court would send the state a hearing notice to be present at the next adjournment date.
The case was adjourned until 11 February 2016, for adoption of briefs.
Count one of the particulars of offence indicated that Tamsir Onasis Konteh and Hamidou Jallow, in November 2011 in Banjul within the jurisdiction of the court, conspired to use forged documents to claim compensation in respect of Tanji Residential Layout.
Count two stated that Tamsir Onasis Konteh, in November 2011 in Banjul within the jurisdiction of the court, made a document purported to be land title documents issued by the Alkalo of Tanji village in order to claim compensation in respect of plots acquired for Tanji Residential Layout.
Count three read that Tamsir Onasis Konteh, in November 2011 in Banjul within the jurisdiction of the court, knowingly and fraudulently uttered false documents in order to claim compensation in respect of the plots acquired for Tanji Residential Layout.
Count four stated that Tamsir Onasis Konteh, in November 2011 in Banjul within the jurisdiction of the court, with intent to defraud obtained D300,000 from one Edward TSambou as consideration for a plot of land at Tanji Residential Layout with the knowledge that the said plots were allocated to him under questionable circumstances.
Count five disclosed that Hamidou Jallow, in November 2011 in Banjul within the jurisdiction of the court, being employed in the public service and in his capacity as Principal Lands and Evaluation Officer caused plots of land (Nos. C8 and C9) to be allocated as compensation to Tamsir Onasis Konteh, with the knowledge that the said plots were already allocated to Kanilai Family Farms and Mr Basirou Sambou respectively, and with also the knowledge that the said Tamsir Onasis Konteh was not qualified for any.
Count six stated that Hamidou Jallow, in November 2011 in Banjul within the jurisdiction of the court, being employed in the public service and in his capacity as Principal Lands and Evaluation Officer caused plots of land (Nos. C8 and C9) to be allocated as compensation to Tamsir Onasis Konteh against the laid down procedure for the award of compensation.
Count seven read that Hamidou Jallow, in November 2011 in Banjul within the jurisdiction of the court, being employed in the public service and his capacity as Principal Lands Evaluation Officer and in disobedience of the order of the Director of Lands caused compensation to be paid to Tamsir Onasis Konteh.
Count eight stated that Lamin Waa Juwara, in November 2011 in Banjul within the jurisdiction of the court, being employed in the public service and in his capacity as Minister of Regional Administrations, Lands and Traditional Rulers, by willful negligent act caused plots of land (Nos. C8 and C9) to be allocated as compensation to Tamsir Onasis Konteh, with the knowledge that the said plots were already allocated to Kanilai Family Farms and Mr Basirou Sambou respectively, and with also the knowledge that the said Tamsir Onasis Konteh was not qualified for any.
