Former magistrate and Human Rights Lawyer, Emmanuel Joof, yesterday appeared
before the Kanifing Magistrates Court, on charges of careless driving and
driving without valid licence. The particulars of offence read in court
states that on January 24, 1999, on the Banjul-Serrekunda Highway, Joof
allegedly drove vehicle number GG 2244 carelessly thereby causing an
accident. The accident in question occurred two and half year ago, while the
accused was serving the Gambian Government as a travelling magistrate in
Lower River Division and North Bank Division. Joof was dragged to court
yesterday by the Inspector General of Police, after two and half years of
leaving the services of the Gambia Government.

The news of the readiness for Emmanuel Joof's prosecution was communicated
to him by two officers of the Mobile Traffic Unit, Kanifing, who served him
with summons to show up in court. At the commencement of the proceedings,
Human Rights Lawyer, Joof, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Testifying
before the court, prosecution witness Corporal 189 Kebba Camara, said that
on the day in question he was on duty at the Mobile Traffic Office with 1st
Class Constable Saidykhan and Corporal Kujabi, when he heard a bang on the
Banjul-Serrekunda Highway. He added that they later visited the scene of the
accident, where they found that the vehicle was trapped in the gutter, with
former magistrate Joof, onboard: Corporal Camara further testified that they
brought Joof from the trapped car and drew a sketch plan of the scene.

He added that the accused was later taken to the Mobile Traffic Unit, where
his statement was taken. When the prosecution tendered the sketch plan, Joof
categorically denied signing the document. The sketch plan was subsequently
admitted in evidence and marked exhibit one. First Class 954 Saidykhan also
testified and added that he took Emmanuel Joof to the Serrekunda Health
Centre. The case, which is being presided over by magistrate Janneh, is
adjourned to June 19, 2001. The prosecution was led by Sgt. 159 Secka, while
the defense was led by Ousman Sillah, Mrs. Mariama Denton, Mrs. Mary Samba,
Lamin Jobarteh, Abubacarr Tambedou, alias Ba, and Amie Joof.

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