The name of prominent Gambian lawyer and politician Essa Faal surfaced on Wednesday during proceedings in a high-profile D58.9 million property dispute before the High Court in Banjul.
The mention came during the cross-examination of Saihou Drammeh, the second defendant in the matter, by the plaintiff's counsel, Ida Drameh, before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh.
During proceedings, Counsel Drameh questioned the witness over previous complaints allegedly involving property transactions and financial dealings connected to one Mr Ceesay.
Putting her case to the witness, Counsel Drameh suggested that he had previously complained that one Kebba Ceesay received money on his behalf for the purchase of two apartments valued at €48,000 and subsequently registered them in his own name.
However, Saihou Drammeh firmly rejected the allegation. "No, my Lord," the witness responded.
Counsel Drameh then shifted her focus to lawyer Essa Faal, asking the witness whether he knew him. The witness confirmed that he did. "Yes, My Lord," Drammeh answered.
Counsel Drameh further put it to the witness that he (Essa Faal) subsequently owed money, a proposition the witness also acknowledged before the court. "Yes, My Lord," he said.
Saihou Drammeh also denied saying that Essa Faal was using the said money on politics.
"Now, is it correct that you stated that he (Essa Faal) was using your money for the election?" Counsel Drameh asked.
"No, My Lord," Saihou Drammeh denied.
The case, GACH Global vs. Kaddijatou Kebbeh and Saihou Drameh, is a high-profile civil fraud lawsuit before the High Court, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh.
Initiated in January 2022, the suit seeks to recover over D58.9 million and $221,000 allegedly obtained through a fraudulent petroleum supply deal.
The plaintiff in the trial is GACH Global Trading Company Limited, led by its CEO Abubakary Jawara. The First Defendant is Kaddijatou Kebbeh, a former employee of GACH Global, and the Second Defendant is Saihou Drammeh, the former Managing Director/General Manager of the Gam Petroleum Storage Facility.
GACH Global alleges that the defendants fraudulently acquired and retained company funds tied to a September 2021 petroleum product agreement. The company is demanding: principal sum of D58,961,150 allegedly obtained and retained under false pretences, petroleum payment of $221,000 for petroleum products meant to be supplied by Gam Petroleum, Commission and Fees of $1,600 in commission paid to Kebbeh, plus D1,000,000 in legal and administrative fees, and Additional interest charges of 24% and 4% until full payment is made.
