Jaja was, on Tuesday afternoon, detained at Mile II on the orders of the Commission for interfering with a witness. This came on the heels of an allegation by the KMC procurement officer, Madam Sarata Jaiteh, that he attacked her for pronouncements she made while appearing before the Commission as a witness. Jaja spent two nights under detention.
The Commission was going to consider whether to slap him contempt.
However, when Jaja appeared yesterday, he did along with his lawyer, Abdoulie Fatty.
Senior Counsel Abdoulie Fatty commenced his address with greetings and then thanked the Commissioners for granting him an opportunity to deliberate before them.
He requested an opportunity from the Commission to allow his client to address them on an important matter.
Chairperson Jainaba Bah granted the request.
Jaja Cham began by reiterating his respect for the work of the Commission. He explained that he was the first from the KMC before the Commission and has appeared before the Commission about 7 times.
He said because of the respect he attaches to the Commission he comes early and has also provided the Commission with several documents he was asked to produce.
“What happened lately is not my intention,” he said, adding that he never knew that his action would be tantamount to interfering with a witness of the Commission.
“I apologise for that,” he said, further expressing his remorse over his action. He pleaded with the Commission not to lambaste him with contempt.
Counsel Fatty said Jaja Cham categorically told him that he did foresee that his action may be judged as interference, adding that Cham recognises the work of the Commission.
“In essence, he is showing remorse and he really recognises the work of the Commission,” the private counsel said, urging the chairperson and the general commission "to draw the curtain to an end”. He pleaded for leniency towards his client.
Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez informed the Commission that he is not against the application. Counsel Gomez did affirm that
Cham has been very helpful to the Commission.
“We align ourselves to the application of Counsel Fatty in the face of showing remorse,” the lead counsel said.
Chairperson Jainaba Bah accepted the application of Jaja Cham and the plea of his Counsel, telling the ex-KMC CEO that he was free to go home.
However, she warned, "We will not under any circumstances tolerate interference with witnesses of the Commission.”
