The alleged victims in the case were Yaya Jagana and Nuha Jagana, who were said to have sustained injuries during the incident and whose motor vehicle was allegedly destroyed.
The case was first heard at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court before being transferred to the High Court in Brikama, where the State Law Office filed a Bill of Indictment on February 14, 2020, listing twenty-three (23) witnesses to testify for the prosecution.
However, from 2020 to 2025, the State failed to produce its witnesses, despite multiple adjournments and several amendments to the indictment. Over time, the State withdrew charges against all other accused persons, leaving only Lamin Sanyang and Borry Ceesay to stand trial.
According to the court record, the prosecution was only able to call one witness, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration Musa Keita, who testified between October 31 and December 11, 2023. His testimony, however, did not identify the accused persons or link them to any of the alleged offences.
Justice Jaiteh found that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case meaning there was no evidence upon which a reasonable tribunal could convict the accused persons.
Justice Jaiteh condemned the prosecution’s handling of the case as “indolent and protracted,” warning that such conduct undermines public confidence in the justice system.
After considering all the facts, Justice Jaiteh ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and that no prima facie case was established against either accused person.
Accordingly, Lamin Sanyang (1st Accused) and Borry Ceesay (2nd Accused) were acquitted and discharged on all counts.
The bench warrant previously issued against Borry Ceesay was also vacated and discharged.
