After the accused had taken her plea of not guilty, and both counsel argued on points of law, the court granted the bail with two Gambian sureties who should deposit an affidavit of means, and each to surrender a title deed together with voluntary reports to the registrar.
The court further stated that the bail would be revoked if the accused failed to appear in court.
The accused, on 18 August 2024 at Senegambia, participated in transporting one Faith Atum Edem, Mercy William Abiri, Anthony Esther Okon, and Dada Nwkaego all Nigerian nationals, and was aiding and compelling their prostitution with others.
She was charged with 4 counts of trafficking in persons and 1 count of living on earnings of prostitution by exercising control, direction, and influence over the victims.
The accused’s counsel S. Kenedy orally applied for the bail of the accused under Section 99 of the Criminal Procedure Code and Section 24 of the 1997 Constitution pending the hearing and determination of the proffered charges against the accused.
The defence counsel submitted that the accused was since remanded in custody in November 2024 and that the offences with which she was charged were bailable.
Prosecution H. Drammeh submitted that the accused person was charged with 5 counts of trafficking in persons punishable by up to life in prison.
The prosecution referred to Section 99 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which forbids granting bail in such cases, adding that there was a risk of the accused fleeing the country because she was not a Gambian.
The presiding judge, Justice Omar Cham, however granted bail to the accused, Ajibola Shade.
Read Other Articles In Headlines
Gambia needs a stronger focus on nutrition to improve food security
May 18, 2022, 10:58 AM
