He has been summoned along with the present permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade, to appear before the court on the next adjourned date.
The summon order, issued under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code of The Gambia, compels both officials to testify and produce crucial documents deemed vital to an ongoing criminal proceeding.
According to the court order, Mr Jallow was directed to testify in relation to a witness statement he provided to The Gambia Police Force on June 12, 2023. He was required to remain available until formally discharged by the court. The court emphasised that his testimony and cooperation were critical to the progress of the case.
The sitting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade was also directed to produce specific documents linked to the case. These included a letter dated December 7, 2020, from Win-Win Oil Gambia Limited addressed to the then permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade, regarding the “confirmation of rice in stock on behalf of Halim’s Trading,” along with 38 similar letters sent to other vendors.
Another letter dated February 17, 2022, from Win-Win Gambia Limited to Yasuhiro Tsumara, WFP representative and Country Director, also copied to the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment.
The court has issued a stern warning that failure by the summoned officials to appear would be treated as contempt of court. “Such defiance may attract serious penalties, including possible imprisonment, reaffirming the legal responsibilities of public servants,” the court stated.
The court has further directed that copies of the order be served to the Honourable Ministers overseeing the Ministries of Communication and Digital Economy, and of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment. “Their support is deemed necessary to ensure the compliance of their respective permanent secretaries,” stated the presiding judge, Justice Jaiteh.
The case was adjourned until May 19, 2025.
