Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 113/2006, 18-19 December, 2006
Editorial
A CALL FOR A FRESH START!!
A new year is approaching. A new presidential term has been put in place. As
the President of the Gambia for the next five years.
On Friday he swore to govern in accordance with the constitution without
fear or favour, affection or ill will.
Furthermore, he called for constructive engagement between all sectors of
Gambian society with his government. He mentioned other opposition parties in
particular.
Foroyaa would like the President to proceed to create a new governance
environment through national consultation. He may have confidential discussion
with a repres4ntative of each opposition party on how to improve his manner of
government. This may be followed by a multiparty initiative to promote the
Memorandum of Understanding signed by all the political parties so that party
supporters as well as chiefs, governors and village heads will promote peaceful
coexistence among our people.
The President may order the Secretary of State for Justice to establish a
task force to review the case of all detainees and release all those who are
detained in violation of the constitution. This should be followed by order for
security personnel to carry out their duties in accordance with the law.
The President may meet the heads of media houses and order the removal of
any obstacle to the operations of Citizen FM, Sud FM, and the Independent
Newspaper. His government should make commitment to promulgate a Freedom of
Information Act.
The President may meet religious leaders and elders who are known to be
uncompromising in telling the truth to share their words of wisdom. The
consultation should be broadened to include members of civil society organisations so
that before he delivers his New Year message a new spirit of dialogue would
have been started that will make good governance a reality in the country.
Declaration of intention is good. However, backing declaration with action
is better for action speaks louder than words. Foroyaa is waiting to capture
each initiative and history is waiting to record each development. The future
is waiting to give its verdict. A new destiny is crying to be rescued in the
wilderness of time.
GPU Marks Deyda’s Death
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The brutal killing of Deyda Hydara, Managing Editor of The Point Newspaper,
two years ago was on Saturday 16th December observed at a symposium at the
Alliance Franco Gambienne with a call for an end to impunity.
The symposium was organised by the Gambia Press Union.
Participants from the media and civil society noted the government’s failure
to bring arsonists, attackers and murderer of journalists to book.
They voiced out in particular that the killing of Deyda, the arson attacks
on the Independent Newspaper, Radio 1 FM and the house of Ebrima Sillah of the
BBC are some of the atrocities for which the culprits are not yet brought to
book. They added that the continuous detention of journalists without trial,
the amendment of the Newspaper Act and the Criminal Code are part of the
restrictions on journalists to do their work effectively.
However, an appeal was made to the killers of Deyda to come out and declare
themselves.
“You can run but you cannot hide. You have killed Deyda but you cannot kill
democracy and Freedom of Expression,” said a speaker.
Note: Foroyaa will feature the comments made by various speakers in detail
in our next edition.
Meanwhile, a press release issued by the GPU to mark the occasion, described
the killing of Deyda as a brutal attack on Freedom of Expression. The
release urged the President to heed to his previous call to set up a commission of
inquiry or appoint an independent expatriate to investigate the killing of
Deyda. The release also called on the government to repeat all laws that impede
press freedom and Freedom of Expression. It further noted that in arresting
and detaining media personnel the executive should observe the due process of
the law.
Halifa Interviewed
National Assembly Elections, President’s Inauguration
Foroyaa: People are interested in knowing what development have taken place
since you called for a tactical alliance between the opposition parties and
with independent candidates.
Halifa: We have received seven requests so far from independent candidates
for support. There is also indication that at least seven constituencies are
requesting for a NADD candidate so far. The number is increasing as reports
come steadily.
Investigation is still on.
Foroyaa: Have you met the UDP, NRP, GPDP Alliance?
Halifa: The GPDP had indicated its opinion on the need for a tactical
alliance. I have been given the responsibility to contact Mr. Gomez to explore the
possibility of collaboration before nomination day. However, the UDP and NRP
leaders have not indicated positions supportive of a tactical alliance. In
fact, one Lamin Fatty is already moving about as the UDP candidate for
Serrekunda Central.
NADD, however, will maintain its position not to have a candidate anywhere
we believe an opposition candidate or an independent candidate can win the
seat.
Foroyaa: What is the position of NADD regarding the Jarra West seat?
Halifa: Kemeseng Jammeh is already a sitting member of National Assembly.
Our target is to have as many critical voices in the National Assembly to
ensure proper scrutiny of government policies, bills, international agreements and
operations of departments of state. The Executive Committee of NADD is
interested in securing Kemeseng’s seat regardless of whether he stands as a NADD
candidate or on not. We have decided not to put up a candidate in Jarra West
if Kemeseng were to stand as an independent candidate or that of another party.
Foroyaa: How many candidates does NADD intend to put up?
Halifa: Consultation is still going on.
Foroyaa: Will you have the funds?
Halifa: We are trying our best. We will give priority to the areas where we
expect to have massive support.
Foroyaa: Have you decided to contest the Serrekunda Central seat?
Halifa: Consultation is still going on.
Foroyaa: What is the result of the consultation?
Halifa: That should be clear in the coming days. I am being very objective.
I want to know the minds of the electorate.
Foroyaa: What do you think of the UDP candidate?
Halifa: Every Gambian who is qualified under the law has the right to seek
the mandate of the people. I do not own the people. They own themselves. If
they feel that somebody is in a better position to scrutinize the policies,
bills, and international agreements tabled by the APRC and render services at
the constituency level I am willing to go.
Foroyaa: You do not seem to be keen in retaining your seat.
Halifa: Representation is a service and not a career. Hence one should be
keen in rendering service to those who want the service.
Foroyaa: Are you going to campaign?
Halifa: What members of parliament say are recorded in the publication of
the National Assembly and the Pan African Parliament, known as Hansard. I will
send people around for the voters to look at the level of my participation in
both The Gambian and Pan African Parliament. It is the national radio and TV
and Daily Observer which fails to give coverage to what I say in the
National Assembly. If the media gave us coverage, it would not have been necessary
for one to campaign. If I am indeed asked by our militants to stand I will be
available to anyone who wants to hear what I have to say.
Foroyaa: What do you think about President Jammeh’s invitation for national
reconciliation?
Halifa: The President swore to defend the constitution without fear or
favour, affection or ill will. Kemeseng, Sidia and myself also took oath or made
affirmation to defend the constitution without fear or favour, affection or
ill will. We are all bound by oath and affirmation.
Take section 1 of the constitution as an example. It states that “The
sovereignty of the Gambia resides in the people of The Gambia from whom all organs
of government derive their authority, in whose name and for whose welfare and
prosperity the powers of government are to be exercised in accordance with
this Constitution.”
This simply means that we as representatives should ensure that the people
do not live in poverty or survive under tyranny. In my view, the APRC
government should order the release of all those who are detained without trial,
restore the operation of the media houses that are closed down, promote respect
for fundamental rights and freedom by law enforcement agents and the security
forces and protect the security of tenure of public servants. Once the
government takes initiative to facilitate the release of those who are detained
without trial and order the protection of fundamental rights and freedom and
creates the conducive environment for national dialogue to maintain a climate of
peaceful coexistence among our people, the relation between the ruling party
and the opposition would be based on the standard of best practice.
Foroyaa: What do you have to say to the people?
Halifa: The country belongs to each of us. Each has a role to play to make
it a just, free and prosperous country. I hope that the people will realize
the importance of the National Assembly and give the moral, material and
monetary assistance necessary to ensure that we have competent National Assembly
members who can represent the Gambian people at home and abroad. I have been
representing the people at home and abroad and I will render thorough account
of how I have represented them for their scrutiny in the coming days.
Former GAMTEL Directors Detained
Abdou Yanka
Mr. Omar Ndow, the former Managing Director of Gamtel and Mr. Ebou Ceesay,
former Operations and technical director of the aforesaid corporation are in
detention. They were arrested by the security forces. Foroyaa was reliably
informed.
According to sources, the duos were arrested by state security agents after
they were relieved of their duties. No official statement was made following
the arrest and detention of the duo. Sources close to the NIA have it that
they are being investigated for alleged economic crimes. Sources further have
it that Mr. Ndow and Ceesay are not to be charged.
At The Court Martial
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Babou Loum, an independent witness, told the ongoing Court Martial at the
Yundum Military Barracks on Saturday 2nd December 2006 that he was called by
Sergeant Ndure while he was in Barras and asked to go to the NIA Complex to
serve as an independent witness. Mr. Loum said that upon his arrival at the NIA
Complex, he was escorted to an office where he met Captain Darboe, Boto
Keita and Lamin Cham.
He said he was later introduced to Captain Darboe by Boto Keita, as the
independent witness. Bunja accepted him as an independent witness. Mr. Loum
indicated that Sergeant Keita asked Captain Darboe whether he wanted to write his
statement, or whether he would want him (Keita) to write the statement on his
behalf. According to Loum, Bunja chose to write his own statement. He
further testified that Boto Keita asked Bunja to write what he knows about the
foiled coup plot.
He said that Bunja wrote the statement without force and they all signed it.
Mr. Loum said he could recognise the statement because it bears his
signature and that of the accused person. At this Juncture, the witness was given the
statement and he identified the signatures on the statement.
Cross Examination By Counsel Lamin S. Camara
During cross examination by Lawyer Lamin Camara, Mr. Loum said he came to
know the accused person in the month of May. He said he met the accused in the
month of May this year. Counsel Camara asks him whether he remembered the day
or date he was called by Sergeant Ndure, and the date and day he went to the
NIA. Mr. Loum replied that he could not remember the day and date. Camara
asked him whether it is correct that he (Loum) has appended his signature on
the statement he replied in the positive, but said that he did not write the
date on the statement. Camara asked “Why didn’t you put the date,” Loum said, “
I was only made to sign.” Camara asked him whether he wrote any thing at the
station apart from his signature and whether Boto Keita wrote anything in
his presence, he replied in the negative. He added that he could not tell how
many statements were obtained from Captain Darboe. He said he know that he
signed statements. Mr. Loum said he could not remember the number of statements
he has signed. He added that he could not tell how many times he went to the
NIA to witness Captain Darboe making statements. Mr. Loum said he knew Boto
Keita at the NIA when he was called to be an independent witness and that was
the first time he met Boto Keita. Mr. Loum pointed out that he could not
recall the language Boto Keita and Bunja were speaking. He said he could not
remember the language he was introduced to Bunja, but noted that he and Boto were
communicating in Wollof. “I’m putting it to you that you were not present
when Bunja was making statements,” said Camara. Loum replied, “Yes I was
inside.” Camara asked, “What time of the day was it?” Loum replied, “I don’t
know because I did not have a watch. Camara asked, “Was it in the morning,
afternoon or evening?” Loum replied, “It was in the day.” Camara asked, “Can you
read and write?” Loum replied, “Yes.” Camara said, “On TWT1 (one) page one
(1), there is a small two (2).” Loum answered “yes, I see it.” Camara asked
“Do you know who wrote the 2?” Loum noted, “I only know what I signed.”
Camara said, “But you were there all the time?” Loum posited, “Yes, but I don’
t know who wrote the two (2).”
Cross Examination By Counsel Borry S. Touray
Lawyer Borry Touray asked him to tell the court the relationship he has with
the NIA. Mr. Loum said he has no relationship with the NIA. He further told
the court that he comes from the same village with Sergeant Ndure. Touray
said, “I’m putting it to you that you were a member of the defunct July 22nd
movement at Barracks and also an NIA agent.” Loum replied, “I was not a member
of the 22nd July movement nor an NIA agent.” Touray asked, “Do you know the
purpose of being an independent witness,” Loum replied, “To witness that
the accused was not beaten or forced to sign the statement.” Touray said, “I’m
putting it to you that the statement was not made in your presence,” Loum
answered, “I was present.”
Cross Examination By Counsel Neneh Cham Chongan
Defense Counsel Neneh Cham asked him whether Boto Keita has informed Captain
Darboe before the statement was written about his right to a counsel. Babou
Loum said he did not hear that. Neneh asked, “Did you hear Captain Darboe ask
Boto Keita about his right to a counsel?” Mr. Loum answered, “No, I did not
hear that.” Neneh Cham said, “I’m putting it to you that the reason that
you did not hear that is because you were not present.” Mr. Loum replied, “I
was there but I did not hear that.” At this point, the prosecutor told the
court that they are closing their case in the trial within trial involving
Captain Bunja Darboe. The defense is expected to call its first witness on the
next sitting.
Man Sentenced For Threatening Immigration Officers
By Modou Jonga
Odou Jarue, a national of Guinea Bissau was on Thursday sentenced to 18
months of impresonment with hard lobour for threatening two immigration officer
with violence. The case was presided over by Magistrate E.F M’bai of the
Brikama Magistrate Court. The accused threatened the two Immigration Officers
(Peter Correa and Landing Saidy Faye) while they were executing their duties. The
case happened on 9th May 2006 at Tanje.
In passing judgment, Magistrate Mbai said the accused did not object to the
application by the prosecution to tender the cutlass he used to threaten the
Immigration Officers. He said the accused also failed to cross-examine the
three witnesses that were called by the prosecution. The court convicted the
accused after it was satisfied that the prosecution have proved its case. The
accused pleaded with the court and asked for mercy.
The magistrate ruled that the act of the accused is a clear manifestation of
disregard for the law and law enforcers. The court finally sentenced the
accused to a jai term of two years with hard labour and that he should be
deported to his country of origin if he finish serving his jail term.
WODD Organises Literacy Evaluation Seminar
By Isatou Bittaye and Amie Sillah
Women in Democracy and Development (WODD), in collaboration with the People’
s Centre, ABFZ of S-Women and Sweden organized a two day Evaluation Seminar
on women literacy on the 9th and 10th December 2006 at the Simmer vocational
Skills Training Centre in Bundung.
The objective of the seminar was to evaluate the work women have been doing
in the area of literacy and women empowerment during the last 5 years from
2001-2006. Mrs. Haddy S. Njie (Hata) chaired the session. She was later
assisted by Ms. Naffisatou Secka.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Amie Sillah, coordinator of WODD said that
there is no difference between women in the Gambia and those elsewhere. She added
that they need to build a partnership based on solidarity in order to
promote the welfare and well being of women the world over Mrs. Sillah indicated
the WODD is non-partisan and that its mission and vision is to empower Gambian
women though the acquisition of literacy skills, civic awareness,
participation and economic activities.
Honourable Haifa Sallah, the Minority Leader of the National Assembly
stressed that humankind has a common destiny. He said there are some people who
want to impose their will on others through unilateralism, always come to
realize in the end that it is not sustainable. Mr. Sallah asserted that options
that face humanity are we either live in tyranny and poverty or we live in
liberty and prosperity and we have to choose between the two.
He agreed that the task before us in the 21st century is to choose Democracy
and Development, and it is people who can bring about Democracy and
Development.
Halifa challenged that each individual has a choice to make, either to live
and be controlled by tyranny and poverty or to live in dignity, liberty and
prosperity. He said that the task before people is to help others gain
consciousness, that in them lies the power and ingenuity to transforms their reality.
He stressed on the issue of Gender quality, that it is not about competition
between men and women but cooperation, that each is important in society.
Mr. Sallah informed the gathering that WODD has secured a printing Machine from
their partners and that it will foster the issue of sustainability in its
operation that it would try to engage in production that will generate
resources for the sustenance of the printing operations and WODD activities.
Mrs. Amie Sillah dilated on women’s Rights, and international conventions
and local initiatives. She indicated that the women movement started in the
1970s and that women all over the world faced the same problems and that is
Marginalisation and lack of due recognition.
She said that African Women face problems such as forced marriages, child
battering, wife buttering, physical abuse, wife inheritance and female genital
mutilation etc
She added that with democracy, empowerment and education the African women
and men will be free or emancipated from the burden that characterised their
lives. Madam Jessica from Swedish S-women indicated that women are not given
their way to fight for their rights and freedom. She said that women have less
political power than men and they are maltreated because they are women.
Jessica added that men make women as objects, subject them to threats and
violence and making them feel invisible. She elaborated on the five domination
techniques.
- Invisibility/ Making Women Invisible-
This takes place when women one ignored or passed by. It’s a reminder to
women that their opinions are unimportant and don’t count as much as men’s
opinions
-Ridiculing/Belittling
Ridiculing/Belittling takes place when women’s efforts and accomplishments
are mocked and laughed at. It also occurs when women are compared to animals,
like chicken Other examples are when women are said to be too sensitive and
when their feelings and actions are characterised as sexual or biological.
These things are not said about men.
-Withholding Information
Withholding Information takes place when women don’t receive the same
opportunity to take part of information at work and in politics. One can also argue
that withholding information takes place when women’s work and
accomplishments are ignored and not recognised.
-Dual Punishment
Is when women are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. One example is
when activist women are blamed for high divorce rates and an absence from
the home but at the same time accused of not taking part in party politics as
much as they should.
-Creating Shame and Guilt
Guilt and shame are induced through double punishment and belittling. Women
are told that their issues and suggestions aren’t good enough. The reason the
men use to oppose women’s ideas might be that.
1 Women think and do things differently.
2 Women don’t have access to information controlled by men.
Rosalie and Helen from ABFZ gave lectures on study circles operation and how
to start new study circle in one’s neighborhood.
An evaluation charts were pasted on the wall and participants and study
circle leaders marked the charts according to priority. Charts asked about health
issues, Democracy, Economic Projects, Literacy, Gardening /Farming, WODD,
and Partnership.
More participants marked economic projects, health and Democracy as their
priorities.
Fatou Manneh spoke about her organization, which specializes in raising
awareness among immigrant communities. She conducts literacy classes, Skills
training and organizes some economic projects for the members of her
organization. She urged women to gave solidarity to each other.
Women study circle leaders give their experiences and urged WODD and its
partners to help them initiate sustainable economic projects for dignified
livelihoods.
The Evaluation seminar witnessed exciting cultural performances in the form
of songs drama and dances.
The Evaluation seminar was a real success.
A Gender Activist Reacts To The Arrest of ‘Sex Workers’
By Abdou Yanka
For the last three (3) weeks over forty women termed as sex workers, were
arrested from the pubs, bars and brothels by the police and charged with
section 168 of the Criminal Code of The Gambia Vol. III. However, it is amazing
that women are the only ones being arrested for violating this Act and not the
men who pay for the purported service.
This has not gone down well with many gender activists who insist that the
police are not fair to the women. Some of the arrested women complained that
the police will arrest every woman who is found outside her home or whilst
waiting for a vehicle after closing from work at night.
Reacting to the police onslaught, Mrs. Amie Sillah, a gender activist, said
she is disappointed; that The Gambia has ratified the AU Women Protocol since
last year with reservations and it is only this year that the government has
lifted those reservations. She asked “why are government security forces
(police) harassing women? They are called sex workers, it may be morally ugly,
but that is their trade.” She noted that the women are not done in this act;
that they tango with male clients who the police (security) never arrest. Mrs.
Amie Sillah called on the society to stop being double standard and open
avenues for these women in order to dissuade them from this dangerous and risky
business. She said if avenues are created and still people refused to take it
then punishing them for risky trades can be justifiable.
Foroyaa made many efforts to speak to the police Public Relations Officer to
ask him why the alleged sex workers’ clients, the men whose participation
completes the act are always left out during their raids. When this reporter
contacted Aziz Bojang, he said he was on a meeting and would not be available.
In The Treason Trial
Lowe’s Testimony Expunged
Bubacarr K Sowe
The testimony of Alieu Lowe, the third prosecution witness in the treason
trial involving Tamisr Jassey, Alieu Jobe, Omar Keita and Demba Dem was on
Wednesday expunged from the court’s record.
The state’s application for the evidence of Lowe to be expunged from the
court’s record came on the heels of a claim by Emmanuel Fagbenle (the
prosecutor) that his witness is hostile to the prosecution. The court granted the
application on Wednesday the 13th of December.
Testifying before Justice Amin-Yeboah, Ousman Sey, an Islamic teacher
acknowledged that he know Alieu Jobe. Mr. Sey said on the night of Tuesday, 21st of
March 2006, Alieu Jobe came to his home and asked him whether he know what
is happening in the country. Sey added that he then asked him what the problem
is. “He told me the soldiers want to have a coup d’ etat, but it has failed,
” Sey Said. He continued to say that Alieu Jobe then informed him that the
soldiers involved in the coup were Colonel Ndure Cham and others. Sey narrated
that he then advised Alieu Jobe not to worry himself since he is not a
soldier, and he is not involved. He added that Alieu Jobe then received a phone
call and later drove off.
Testifying further, Sey said while on his way to school the following day,
he received a phone call from Alieu Jobe who informed him that he will call
him later. He said while at school, Alieu called him and told him that Cham has
run away. Sey said after closing from school, he passed by Alieu’s home. He
said Alieu told him that he is worry and that he had a sleepless night,
because most of his friends were arrested.
He testified that Alieu told him that a marabout called Chernor Barry did
involve him in the problem. During cross-examination by Counsel Lamin Jobarteh,
Sey said he has been in detention since his arrest on the 28th of March
2006. He said he made only one statement at the National Intelligence Agency
(NIA). He also said that Alieu did tell him that it is Cherno Barry who involved
him in the problem.
Staff Sergeant Dam Jobe, of the 1st Infantry Battalion at the Yundum
Barracks said he was on duty on the 21st of March 2006, and was responsible for the
distribution of names. Sergeant Jobe said after the distribution of names, he
reported to the duty officer, Lieutenant Savage, who asked him whether he
know where Captain Y.M.S. Darboe resides. Sergeant Jobe added that Lt. Savage
told him that the driver, Lance Corporal Colley knows there. “He gave me a
bunch of keys for the armoury which I was to deliver to Captain Darboe. He said
they did not meet Captain Darboe, but they handed the keys to his wife, and
informed her to surrender them to her husband. Jobe said he then informed Lt.
Savage on the development, and he called the wife of Captain Darboe to
confirm that the keys were handed over to her.
During cross-examination by Lawyer Lamin S. Camara, Sergeant Jobe indicated
Captain Darboe was an adjutant and was responsible of the armoury keys as at
21st of March.
Testifying later, the sixth prosecution witness, Corporal Ajuma Camara, a
guard commander posted at the Abuko Earth Station, said while on duty on the
21st of March 2006, Captain Wassa Camara visited the station twice and asked
for Mr. Njie. Corporal Camara said he had asked his guard to escort Captain
Camara to the operator who told him that Mr. Njie is not present. He testified
that between the hours of nine and ten in the afternoon, Captain Camara came
back and asked for the same Mr. Njie, the Director of the Abuko Earth Station.
Corporal Camara narrated that he then took Captain Camara to the operator
where he used a telephone to call Mr. Njie. According to Corporal Camara, he
went with Captain Camara to a shop and bought green tea (Ataya). He added that
while Captain Camara was coming from the other side of the fence, he was
talking over a mobile phone. “I gave him the Ataya, he drank it and I returned to
my guard post,” the Corporal said. He said that upon his return to the post,
he received a call from Private B. Sanneh who informed him of a coup plot. “
He explained everything to me and told me that some officers are arrested and
we need to be on alert,” Corporal Camara said.
During cross-examination by Lamin Jobarteh, Corporal Camara said Captain
Wassa Camara was the head of the Military Police and one of his responsibilities
was checking military posts. He said the captain was on a private visit and
he had no diary at the post to enter the names of visitors.
A technician at the Earth Station, Lamin Colley, said he was on duty and a
soldier came to him and asked for Mr. Njie.
Mr. Colley said that the soldier who was wearing a civilian dress asked him
whether he can use the phone, which he agreed to. “He spoke briefly on the
phone with Mr. Njie and he told me that he is called Mr. Camara” Colley added. “
He also said that Njie was to bring something for him from Dakar and later
said he is in Bakau.”
Mr. Colley was not cross examined by the defence. The case was adjourned for
further hearing.
Tamba Fofana Detained At Sarengai Police Station?
Mr. Tamba Fofana, the headmaster of Kudang Lower Basic School is said to be
currently detained at Sarengai Police Station, a source informed this paper.
Mr. Fofana was arrested by the police some months ago. Sequel to his arrest
by the police at Bansang Police Station, he is said to have been moved to
Banjul.
Since then his family has been receiving information of his detention at
different police stations, such as Yundum, Sibanor and Sarengai Police Station.
Family members of Mr. Tamba have informed this paper that they are not aware
of any charge against the latter. The police spokesperson, Superintendent
Aziz Bojang could not comment on the arrest and detention of Mr. Tamba.
Editor’s Comment
Tamba is a headmaster. What type of message are the authorities who detain
Tamba sending to the children of his school? No person should be detained for
more than 72 hours without trial. The continued detention of Tamba without
trial is a flagrant violation of the constitution. As the president is sworn in
we hope he will ensure that respect for fundamental rights and freedom will
be uppermost in his message to the nation.
Former BAC Financial Director Acquitted
By Modou Jonga
Mr. Fafa Kuyateh, the Former Financial Director at the Brikama Area Council,
was on Tuesday 5th December, 2006 acquitted and discharge on the charged of
obtaining money by false pretence by Magistrate E.F Mbai of the Brikama
Magistrate’s Court.
The Former BAC Financial Director was standing trial for allegedly obtaining
an amount of D230,000 (two hundred and thirty thousand dalasis) from one
Bubacarr Cham over a piece of land that is situated at Nema Kunku Village. In
his judgment on the case, the presiding Magistrate E.F Mbai said the court is
not satisfied with the testimony of the prosecution and further stated that
the said land is the legal property of the accused and who obtained it legally.
The Magistrate, therefore, acquitted and discharged the accused accordingly.
The police prosecutor was 413 Sanyang, speaking to reporters outside of the
courtroom, the discharged BAC Financial Director.
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