When asked by the presiding judge, Justice I. Janneh, whether he had a lawyer, the accused told the court that since his detention he had been kept in a sealed cell, preventing him from seeing his family or securing the services of a lawyer. He added that even the clothes he was wearing had been provided by someone in the prison.
Jallow further informed the court that although he had been prescribed medication, he had been denied access to a doctor. He said he remained locked in a sealed cell without access to fresh air.
Following his complaints, State Counsel Drammeh informed the court that the matter was scheduled for mention and that the State was seeking an adjournment to enable it to file a bill of indictment within a reasonable time.
Justice Janneh then asked the accused whether he had informed the prison authorities about his medical condition. Jallow responded in the affirmative, alleging that one of the prison officers present in court had refused him access to a doctor and had taken away his medical prescription.
After hearing both sides, Justice Janneh noted that the matter had been transferred from the Kanifing Magistrates' Court and stated that the High Court could only assume jurisdiction once a bill of indictment had been filed.
She subsequently ordered the State to file the bill of indictment within 30 days. The judge also directed the prison authorities to take the accused to the prison health facility and, if his condition could not be managed there, to refer him to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The matter was adjourned to October 2026, after the court vacation, for further proceedings.
