The first of the four accused persons, Ansumana Jarju, has secured a lawyer, while the second accused is in the process of securing one through his family. However, the third and fourth accused are to be represented by the National Legal Aid.
The four suspects - Ansumana Jarju, Abdoulie Jallow, Losseni Diabate, and Omar Secka - have been linked to armed robbery incidents involving United Bureau, United Vegetable Oil Company, Access Bank, and El-Hella Company. They made their first appearance before Justice O. Cham of the High Court.
Counsel E. Sanneh, representing the first accused, argued that, given the seriousness of the charges, the case could not proceed without legal representation for all the accused.
The presiding judge, Justice Cham, agreed and ruled that the accused should be given the opportunity to secure legal representation. If they are unable to do so, Legal Aid would be contacted to provide counsel for them.
A counsel from the National Legal Aid raised concerns that he had not received any order from the court to represent the accused persons. However, the court assured him that an order would be issued.
Justice Omar Cham then addressed the second accused, Abdoulie Jallow, who informed the court that he was in the process of securing a lawyer and requested one week to do so. The court granted his request.
The case was adjourned until 26 March 2025.
