Kebba Dampha
I am convinced that you do not mean to condem Barrow until there is evidence that he indeed gave this statement at his own free will.

Malanding


The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
              <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Ebrima, upon a perusal of this post, I can see a lot of holes in the
> government's 'case'. I will study these statements some more and write a
> more fitting piece. Suffice for me to say that a lot of things do NOT add
> up. I will make further inquiries to establish whether Dumo and Yarbo take
> ownership of these Cautionary Statements. In other words, did Dumo and Yarbo
> in particular give these statements voluntarily.
>
> In Dumo's case there are some statements that simply do NOT make sense to
> me. How Dumo's alleged conversation with the Italian vermin degenerated from
> discussing the Italian's business ventures (restaurant) to discussing the
> purchase of arms is just mind-boggling to me?
>
> As far as this despicable Barrow chap is concerned, one can drive a truck
> through his LIES. It is full of discrepancies. One moment the Italian was
> the man with the money and wanted guns, the next moment it was Dumo and Saul
> Ndow that had the money and wanted guns from the Italian. This does not make
> sense. Barrow is clearly lying through his teeth. The Italian clearly wanted
> to get a contract from Yaya training soldiers since his restaurant was not
> bringing in money. How does the Italian convince our moron to give him a
> contract? Lie about some Gambians and say that they are plotting to
> overthrow the government. This vermin does not care if people lose their
> lives in the process.
>
> Ebrima, like I said, I will look into this some more. At this stage one can
> safely conclude that there is no case whatsoever against Lalo Jaiteh. This
> is not to say that there is some semblance of a case against the other
> alleged conspirators. All I am saying is that Barrow's LIES did not
> encompass Lalo according to the Cautionary Statements. Real investigators
> (which the thugs at the NIA are NOT) would have had a genuine line-up and
> asked Barrow to identify Lalo from day one. That did NOT happen. The Italian
> also has vested interest in lying about these people. This is the most
> ridiculous case I have ever seen. The Star Witness (Barrow) did not even
> succeed in linking all the alleged conspirators to one common criminal
> enterprise; and that is critical in a case like this. Without this linkage,
> the government can say bye-bye to its case. Remember the charges we spoke
> about months ago. There is no evidence that Dumo knows Kanteh for instance
> or these people know Yarbo. To charge citizens with a crime as serious as
> treason on the basis of such flimsy evidence from pathological liars like
> Barrow, Foday Barry and this Italian vermin, can only happen in the kind of
> Dictatorship we have back home. Now hustlers can come to the country from
> Italy, lie about innocent and defenseless Gambians and have them
> incarcerated incommunicado without trial.
>
> No wonder why the government is scared to take this 'evidence' to court.
> Like Ebrima, I also caution people to be alert when they read these
> statements. For starters, let us NOT assume that Dumo et al gave these
> statements voluntarily. Secondly, Barrow's statements should be watched
> carefully. Thirdly, we should understand the role this despicable Italian
> guy was playing. Does it make sense that Saul Ndow will know the Italian's
> involvement with Yaya and still allow Dumo to deal with the Italian? Does it
> make sense that Lalo will know the Italian's involvement with Yaya and still
> allow his family member (Kanteh) to still deal with the Italian? A lot of
> things do NOT add up.
> KB
>
>
>
> >From: Ebrima Ceesay <[log in to unmask]>
> >Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
> ><[log in to unmask]>
> >To: [log in to unmask]
> >Subject: Statements by Dumo Saho, Lt Jaiteh, Yarbo and others!
> >Date: Tue, 12 Jun 2001 18:01:11 -0000
> >
> >Gambia-L:
> >
> >Find below the cautionary statements made to the Serious Crimes Unit of The
> >Gambia Police Force, by Messsrs Dumo Saho, Ebrima Yarbo, Momodou Marenah,
> >Ebrima Barrow and Lt Lalo Jaiteh, in connection with the LIES levelled
> >against them by the State.
> >
> >The statements make interesting reading and also show how these men were
> >set
> >up and entrapped by an Italian security agent, who is one of Yahya Jammeh's
> >chief security advisers. It would seem that the Italian, Francesco Caso,
> >deliberately tried to incite the procurement of guns, for the purpose of
> >setting the men up. He tried it also on Sheriff Dibba, Lamin Waa Juwara,
> >but
> >these two men were not drawn into the trap. If you remember well, one of my
> >source once reported on the L, that there are/were Italian Security Agents
> >who are/were working for Jammeh.
> >
> >Having said that, I must caution that Gambians should be very vigilant with
> >some of these foreigners they are dealing with, especially when they do not
> >know them.  It would seem that Yahya Jammeh will stop at nothing.  The
> >Gambia is now a POLICE STATE, and we should all be on our guard.  If
> >foreigners come to our country and pose as investors, we should make sure
> >that they are genuine investors before dealing with them.
> >
> >Reading the statements of Brothers Dumo Saho, Ebrima Barrow and the rest of
> >the brothers, which are reproduced below in full, I was almost in tears and
> >could see clearly how they were being duped and set up by this Italian,
> >Francesco Caso, a security adviser to Yahya Jammeh.
> >
> >Anyway, with the benefit of hindsight, one can always say these things:  at
> >the time, it is always very easy to be drawn into traps like these.
> >Perhaps, if the Italian had come to me, he could probably have gotten me to
> >work on his behalf, or to introduce him to other Gambians. So we should
> >attach no blame to Dumo Saho and the other brothers.  They were all victims
> >of a vicious and purposefully arranged plot by this Italian and Jammeh's
> >henchmen (and almost certainly by Yahya Jammeh himself).
> >
> >I urge people to check back through the archives:  my source had already
> >told us about the presence of Italian security advisers at Statehouse. We
> >do
> >really need to be on our guard, and to heed the information being supplied
> >by my sources in The Gambia.  We need to take seriously the information
> >that
> >is forwarded by my sources so that we can avoid similar tragedies in the
> >future.
> >
> >I cannot end this posting without commending Annika, the wife of Dumo Saho.
> >She has been working tirelessly to secure the release of her husband, and
> >she should know that she has many friends both in and out of The Gambia,
> >who
> >will do all in their power to assist her and her husband.  We have to
> >maintain the pressure on Jammeh and his regime, and we shall success in
> >having Dumo Saho, Lt. Jaiteh, Ebrima Yarboe, Momodou Marenah, Ebrima Barrow
> >and others released.  I also know that Amnesty International in London are
> >working very hard on the case and their able West Africa team, led by
> >Marcella Favretto, will leave not one stone unturned in their efforts to
> >secure the release of our brothers.
> >
> >By the way, these statements were sent to me by one of my most trusted
> >sources in The Gambia, and needless to say, I am sending them as received.
> >SO READ THEM CAREFULLY!!
> >
> >
> >Ebrima ceesay
> >Birmingham, UK
> >
> >**********************************************************************
> >
> >
> >>CAUTIONARY STATEMENT By Ebrima Barrow, 3/7/2000
> >>
> >>Address: 43 Kombo Sillah Drive, New Jeshwang Age: 49, Occupation: Salesman
> >>Cautioned by: P/insp Biram S Jobe of Serious Crime Independent witness:
> >>Sulayman Jammeh
> >>
> >
> >I am Ebrima Barrow, a Gambian born in Salikene in Central Baddibou at the
> >North Bank Division. I left the Gambia in 1973 and travelled to Europe. I
> >finally came back home in 1997 and settled as a businessman at New Jeshwang
> >in Serrekunda. One day I visited Bakau in the month May 1999, precisely the
> >beginning of May. As I went into the restaurant just opposite the Bakau
> >Market, I met a certain whiteman who later introduced himself to me as Mr
> >Francesco Caso, an Italian national from Naples in Southern Italy. On my
> >first meeting, the two of us had discussed about money issues – concerning
> >The Gambia and Italy in the Italian language. Later in the month of May,
> >when I visited him, he later talked about guns to me and asked if there was
> >any way of getting one for him. I told him in my own capacity I could not
> >get him any but we could try and see by going to Banjul. So he told me that
> >the guns, if possible, could be used for changing the government of the
> >Gambia.
> >
> >In Banjul, we went to Wellesley Street to meet one Momodou Marenah. There,
> >I
> >went alone to talk to Momodou Marenah and we both agreed that there were no
> >guns but if the whiteman brings the money, we could dupe or trick him by
> >securing his money and do away with himself. But the whiteman, after going
> >with us to Hagan Street, he failed to produce any money for me. When
> >Marenah
> >went inside a compound, he came out and asked for the money, but the
> >whiteman didn't produce any money. He said that the whiteman had to produce
> >the money first because this was a very risky business and that was meant
> >to
> >fool the whiteman – Francesco Caso. When Francesco said that he had money,
> >the two of us (myself and himself) had driven back to Bakau to his Porto
> >Bello Restaurant.
> >
> >One day, myself and Francesco went to S. M. Dibba (Sheriff Mustapha Dibba)
> >and we greeted him. But, as Francesco talked to Dibba, I could see how
> >Dibba
> >distrusted Francesco. So he, Dibba, called me by the side, and told me not
> >to go back to him with such a visitor. In June of the same year, I went
> >with
> >Francesco Caso to meet Waa Juwara of Brikama, but Waa Juwara never wanted
> >us
> >to discuss anything about toppling the present government. So Waa Juwara
> >told me to tell Francesco that we do not need a foreigner to come and
> >change
> >the government for us by force of arms.
> >
> >I then met one Dumo Saho who owned a mechanical workshop in London Corner
> >in
> >Serrekunda. We talked about many things. I later mentioned to Saho about a
> >certain Italian national who owns a restaurant in Bakau. I mentioned to
> >Saho
> >all that had transpired between me and Mr Caso. So he suggested that we
> >both
> >meet him, Mr Caso. I told him that first of all, I had to inform Francesco
> >Caso before we could go to see him. So I met Mr Caso and he accepted the
> >idea of seeing Mr Saho in Mr Caso's Bakau Restaurant. So it was a cordial
> >meeting. This meeting was pertaining to changing the government by the use
> >of force. Mr Saho, according to him, said they had the money and the men to
> >do the job but they had no arms. During the recourse, Saho said he was
> >leaving the restaurant and would one day return to me. I one day went to
> >Saho's workshop to see a friend of mine. He was Mr Amara (my friend).
> >
> >That man was not in the workshop, but Saho was there in the workshop. The
> >two of us went out and stopped at the entrance of the workshop. We went out
> >and stopped so he later said he would one day come to me if possible with a
> >friend of his. The name of his friend was not mentioned. I, also, did not
> >insist on his friend's name. One day, in July 1999, he (Saho) came to me in
> >my residence and informed me that he (Saho) came with a friend but that
> >friend was outside in the car. Then I had to follow him outside and we met
> >his friend who was outside; and we met a certain man waiting in a green
> >Benz. As we joined the gentleman's car, we drove up towards Westfield
> >Junction, and there on our way to Bakau, to Francesco Caso's restaurant, I
> >was introduced to Saul Ndow and we all came to know each other on that July
> >day in 1999.
> >
> >Upon our arrival at Porto Bello Restaurant in Bakau, we met Franco. The
> >formal introduction was made between him and Saul Ndow. So we sat at a
> >certain table overlooking the fishing harbour of Bakau. Saho first spoke
> >and
> >I had to interpret to Mr Caso and then Saul Ndow spoke. I was the one
> >interpreting from English to Italian and from Italian to English. Mr Saul
> >Ndow, according to his assertion, it was guns that they needed (AK47 guns),
> >because they had the men and the money to make the purchase. Franco
> >categorically said he would not help in their request for guns. So I later
> >told them to bring in the money and I could try. My intention was to get
> >the
> >money from Saho and Saul Ndow. I told them each AK47 would cost about five
> >thousand dalasis D5000. And I never, in my life, held in my hand an AK47.
> >Even, in fact, I did not know the price. Then Saul and his friend (Saho)
> >left myself and Franco in the restaurant.
> >
> >In August 1999, I and Francesco went to meet Mr Sam SILLAH. This was in
> >connection with the state of affairs of the restaurant. The Porto Bello
> >restaurant was co-owned by Francesco Caso and Tony Cartoni. But according
> >to
> >my own understanding of things, Tony Cartoni was bringing hard times to
> >Franco as partners in business. I felt that that was not fair. That was the
> >reason why we went to see Mr Sam Sillah. But meeting him was in vain. But
> >I,
> >for one, managed to speak to Mr Sillah. After all these, then came the year
> >2000. I met with Saul Ndow and he told me that he travelled to Europe and
> >he
> >had come back. Saul asked me about Mr Franco and I told him that he was at
> >Kanilai. So he seemed to be happy with that information. He later told me
> >that he had a very reliable friend who wanted to see me and we talk.
> >Because
> >since last year we did not see each other.
> >
> >He showed me clearly that that man had the money and men and is serious to
> >overthrow the government of the Gambia. When we met Saul Ndow, he
> >introduced
> >a man whom I later know to be Alhaji Kanteh – who was the Commissioner of
> >North Bank Division. Saul Ndow and Alhaji Kanteh told me that they wanted
> >to
> >see Francesco Caso. When Franco gave me a call on 392616 which I gave him
> >before, I then informed him that Saul Ndow wanted to see him. Franco came
> >in
> >May 2000 and picked me from my residence (New Jeshwang) and I went with him
> >to Saul Ndow's house in Pipe Line.
> >
> >On arrival we were behind closed doors. There Alhaji Kanteh and Saul Ndow
> >stated that they needed AK47 guns for overthrowing the government of the
> >Gambia. Then I told Saul Ndow and Alhaji Kanteh just to bring the money to
> >me.
> >
> >Franco never seemed to trust Alhaji Kanteh, but I did not know why? Saul
> >Ndow said he was going to travel to Ghana and that the money was to be left
> >here with Alhaji Kanteh. I strongly believe that Alhajie Kanteh was going
> >to
> >give me the money. But up to this time, I did not receive the money from
> >Alhaji Kanteh. I definitely know I shall not keep the money in my pocket
> >and
> >use the money for something else. Last week, on the 4th of June 2000, we
> >met
> >Alhaji Kanteh in his residence with four others, plus him making it five.
> >So, I went with Francesco Caso.
> >
> >The men were introduced to me and Francesco. But during the whole process
> >Alhaji Kanteh withheld the identities – that was their names. After the
> >meeting, each one was given a letter code by Alhaji Kanteh ranging from
> >A-D.
> >So, they left, leaving behind them one SANNO who was talking with Alhaji
> >Kanteh. If I see them, I will be able to identify them. Alhaji told me that
> >they were all EX-ARMY officers. Alhaji told me, in the presence of Franco,
> >that he would give me the money. I could also remember on Sunday 18th June
> >2000, Saul Ndow called me by phone and said he was in Guinea Conakry and
> >asked me how things were going on and that he promised to come back in two
> >weeks time.
> >
> >On the 14th June 2000, I went to Kerr Pateh, and on my way back, I stopped
> >at Kerewan to see Alhaji Kanteh. On my arrival, I asked Alhaji Kanteh about
> >the money, but he told me that he shall give it to me when he, Alhaji,
> >comes
> >over to Serrekunda on Thursday, the 22nd June 2000. That was the day I was
> >arrested. I came to know Ebrima YARBO before 1999. Myself and Francesco
> >Caso
> >went to YARBO's office at Gamtel House for Radio Frequency. And he
> >explained
> >how to apply through the normal procedure. Then we went another day for a
> >gas-gun which was for personal protection of Franco. But after the deal the
> >gas-gun, according to Franco, was being returned to Mr YARBO, because
> >Franco
> >said it was not functioning.
> >
> >___________________________________________________________________
> >
> >>4/7/2000 Witnessed by: Sulayman Jammeh CAUTIONARY STATEMENT By Momadou
> >>Ousman Sarho, 4/7/2000
> >>
> >>Address: No 5 Sanchaba Road, Serekunda Age: 44 yrs; Occupation:
> >>Development
> >>agent Cautioned by: Insp Biram Jobe of Serious Crime Witnessed by:
> >>Sulayman
> >>Jammeh
> >>
> >
> >I am Mr Momodou Sarho, a Gambian by birth and residing at Serekunda. I am
> >presently engaged in development work and running a Skills Training Centre
> >in Tabokoto and Bundunkakunda. I have travelled out of the country and
> >lived
> >in Sweden from 1985 until when I returned to The Gambia finally in 1995. On
> >the 24th day of June 2000, by 15.00 hrs, I was apprehended from my street
> >by
> >three security agents. I was taken to the NIA bureau in Banjul and detained
> >until the 27th day of June 2000 on a Wednesday for interrogation.
> >
> >I can recall my contacts with Mr Ebrima Barrow, a man I knew as Basiris,
> >sometime in March 1999, at Serekunda at the Boka Loho Workshop in Lonbdon
> >Corner. We talked about the situation of Africa and The Gambia and believed
> >that some changes need to take place politically. During our conversation
> >he
> >– Mr Ebrima Barrow – made mention of a certain Italian man who is running a
> >restaurant in Bakau, who was in serious trouble and needed help to recover
> >in business. The restaurant is called Porto Bello in Bakau and situated
> >opposite the market.
> >
> >We agreed to go to see this Italian man when there is time to discuss with
> >him. We had time in June 1999 to meet this man at his restaurant in Bakau.
> >When we got there I was introduced by Basiri to the Italian man and we had
> >a
> >long conversation about his business and his interest to invest in The
> >Gambia but here and there, he said he was encountering some problems with
> >some enforcing agents in the country. I was interpreted by Mr Ebrima
> >Barrow.
> >The Italian is a soldier of the European Union from Italy and has been
> >doing
> >emergency work in Turkey during the earthquake. His frustrations led to
> >some
> >political statements which also occasioned the Italian man to observe the
> >stagnant political situation in the country and the need to have the system
> >changed in order to improve the lives of our people.
> >
> >After this discussion with the Italian, we left for Serekunda, myself and
> >Basori. I told him that the condition of the man is in a very sorrowful
> >situation and if he is really here to invest they he needs to be assisted.
> >I
> >later introduced a friend of mine, Mr Saul Ndow, to Ebrima Barrow (Basori).
> >And we went to Basori's house with Saul, in Saul's car, a green Mercedes
> >Benz. When we reached Barrow's house, Saul waited for me outside and I went
> >in to see if Basori was there. I was fortunate to find him there and I told
> >him that I was with a friend and we could go to see his friend, the
> >Italian.
> >I returned with him to the car and we drove to Porto Bello, the Italian
> >Restaurant in Bakau.
> >
> >On arrival, I introduced Saul to the man and we took our places and started
> >discussions. We discussed mainly about the man's plight and he showed us
> >his
> >place where business was not taking place. Everything was bad. He mentioned
> >the goods he could have brought in this country if he hadn't had any bad
> >experiences. From this time, the Italian man talked about his military
> >experiences and his ability to train men in military skills. He said that
> >although he could train, but he cannot provide weapons. Saul told him that
> >weapons are very difficult to secure but he can also look around.
> >
> >We left this place again, myself, Saul and Basori. After we left we said we
> >could see what could be done about the man's business and again we talked
> >further about the results of today's discussions. Throughout the
> >discussions, interpretations were being done by Basori from Italian to
> >English and from English to Italian.
> >
> >Since from this date, I was never in contact with these men again. I am
> >also
> >informed at the NIA that the name of the Italian is FRANCESCO
> >CASO. All these things took place in 1999. This statement was recorded by
> >myself and read out to Mr Sulayman Jammeh of Talinding Madina, unemployed.
> >
> >_______________________________________________________________________
> >
> >>3/7/2000 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT By Momodou Marenah, 3/7/2000
> >>
> >>Address: 14 Welsely Str. Age 2nd March 1951; Occupation: businessman
> >>Cautioned by D/insp Biram Jobe of Serious Crime Banjul Witnessed by:
> >>Sulayman Jammeh
> >>
> >
> >I, Momodou Marenah, a Gambian born in Salikene Central Baddibou and
> >presently residing at 14 WELSELY STR, BANJUL. I know one Ebrahima Barrow
> >who is a friend and we are all from the same village, Salikene.
> >One day in the year 1999, I was visited by Ebrahima together with one white
> >man, whom I later know to be called FRANCISCO CASO. Ebrahima told me the
> >man
> >needed a gun (AK 47). I told Ebrahima Barrow if he knew what he was asking
> >for. He told me he only needed my help to assure the white man that it
> >could
> >be obtained so that he, Ebrahima, could get the money from the white man.
> >
> >We then came out of the room together to meet the white man sitting in the
> >car parked outside the gate of the compound. After introduction by Barrow,
> >I
> >told the white man that we must drive to 75 Hagan Str to meet a friend
> >called Momodou Sanneh. It's not that Momodou Sanneh had any AK 47 but to
> >help my friend, Barrow, to get the money from Francisco Caso.
> >Unfortunately, Momodou Sanneh was not in and I told them to try him another
> >day. Mr Francisco Caso came back again a day after our first meeting and we
> >drove together to meet Momodou Sanneh at 75 Hagan Street. He parked the car
> >not far from the gate of 75 Hegan Street. I went out of the car to call
> >Momodou Sanneh whom I had already briefed. After greetings he demanded if
> >he, Momodou Sanneh, could get him AK 47. Then Momodu Sanneh asked if he had
> >the money with him. Mr Caso said he must first see the gun before he could
> >produce the money.
> >
> >Momodou Sanneh told him he could not do anything when there was no money.
> >He
> >then promised to come back with the money the next day after. Again, he
> >said
> >he must first see the gun. We told him that was not possible. After some
> >argument, he finally told Momodou Sanneh and myself that he would be coming
> >the next to bring the money. But he never turned up again, and I did not
> >see
> >him again until the day he led some army officers and I was arrested at my
> >residence at early hours of Friday 22nd June 2000. I was violently dragged
> >out of my room. I cannot say what was taken from the room as I was not
> >present. Statement made by me and read out to Sulayman Jammeh of Talinding
> >Madina.
> >
> >______________________________________________________________________
> >
> >>3/7/2000 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT By Ebrima M Yarbo,
> >>
> >>Address: 26B Fitzgerald St, Banjul Age: 42; Occupation Senior Manager
> >>(Gamtel) Cautioned by D/C 1192 Drammeh of Fraud Squad Witnessed by:
> >>Sulayman Jammeh, Talinding (Medina)
> >>
> >
> >I attended Salikene Primary School from 1969-1972, and proceeded to
> >ARMITAGE High School where I completed in 1977. I went to Banjul to look
> >for employment, and during this period, I always used to camp with Salikene
> >people whom I knew during my primary school time. The place we used to camp
> >was at a tailor's workshop at the junction of Primet Street and Allen
> >Street. During our normal gatherings, the subject of discussions used to be
> >about personalities, some of whom were abroad and who I did not have the
> >opportunity to meet during my primary school days. One such personality was
> >EBRIMA BARROW (commonly called Bassud Barrow). I was interested in knowing
> >some of them and luckily stumbled on him and we made aquaintance.
> >
> >Since then, Mr Barrow would casually visit me both at the office (Gamtel
> >House) where I work as Senior Manager Transmission Systems and also
> >sometimes handling radio frequency allocations. Mr Barrow would sometimes
> >come with video cassettes, list of compounds for sale and domestic items
> >like radios and tape recorders.
> >
> >In a similar visit, sometime in september 1999, Mr Barrow came to my office
> >with one Italian man by the name Francisco Caso whom he introduced to me as
> >a restaurant owner. He later enquired about how to get allocated with
> >frequency for communications purposes. The frequency spectrum, I explained,
> >is a national resource which belongs to the nation. Gamtel is the custodian
> >and this position is conferred on Gamtel by the Department of State for
> >Works and Communications and Information. Anybody wanting to be allocated
> >with frequency has to apply for it to the D.S.W.C&I or through it to
> >Gamtel's Managing Director. Anybody in doubt about allocation can make
> >enquiries to Gamtel just as enquiries are done on the procedure to apply
> >for
> >a telephone or any other service that Gamtel sells. The Italian would
> >always
> >speak in Italian and the interpretation would be done by E Barrow in
> >English.
> >
> >On the next visit, Barrow mentioned to me that Mr Caso needed a pistol for
> >his personal protection. I told him that I don't deal in firearms but that
> >I
> >know of a street peddlar by the name of Lamin Sanyang who had a gas pistol,
> >and promised them that whenever I see this Lamin Sanyang, I would take the
> >gas pistol from him and show them. Luckily, one day I stumbled on Lamin
> >Sanyang and took the gas pistol from him and took it to FRANCISCO CASO at
> >his restaurant in Bakau. I charged him D1800 and he gave me a cheque. I
> >also
> >had the opportunity to see his certificate in radio communication which
> >happened to be in Italian.
> >
> >On my return, I took the cheque to the bank, but it was not honoured. So I
> >returned the cheque to him and he gave me back tha pistol (gas) saying that
> >it was not in fact a good one. I returned the gas pistol to the owner and
> >also fell out with Ebrima Barrow. All these incidents took place in 1999. I
> >started speaking to E. Barrow on 22/6/2000 when we were put in the same
> >confinement room at the N.I.A. headquarters – Banjul.
> >THE STATEMENT WAS MADE BY ME AND READ OUT TO SULAYMAN JAMMEH OF TALINDING
> >(MEDINA)
> >___________________________________________________________________
> >
> >>CAUTIONARY STATEMENT By Lt. Lalo Jaiteh, 11/7/2000
> >>
> >>Address: Mile Seven, Bakau Age: 26; Occupation: Military officer Cautioned
> >>by D/insp Biram S Jobe of Serious Crime Squad Witnessed by: Sunkary
> >>Saidykhan, Tabokoto
> >>
> >
> >I, Lt Lalo K Jaiteh, a Gambian national, was born at Njaba Kunda village. I
> >am personally residing at Mile 7, Bakau. I joined the Gambia National Army
> >in 1995 through a basic recruit training which ended in December 1995.
> >After
> >the passing out, I remained at the Gambia National Army training school as
> >an instructor for few months. I was then at Army Headquarters as a finance
> >clerk under the finance and records. I then proceeded to Ghana Military
> >training and Academy in August 1996 for my Young Officers Basic Training
> >(YOS). This course entails basic officers as well as Jungle warfare
> >training. It ended in December 1996. I came in December 1996. I was sent to
> >the training school as an Admin officer. Then to Yundum barracks as a
> >platoon Commander and Fajara barracks as platoon Commander. In 1997, I was
> >transferred to Infantry Battalion as an adjutant for almost two years and
> >as
> >a company Commander in the same battalion. I was there when I proceeded to
> >Pakistan Military School of Engineering for Disposal Course which lasted
> >for
> >six weeks.
> >
> >I returned during the same 1998 to Infantry battalion. I was then
> >transferred to Fajara barracks the same month. On arrival at Fajara
> >barracks
> >I was nominated for a local course conducted by the State Guards. This
> >course lasted for three months. After this course, I was transferred to
> >State Guards, this was in July. At the State Guards I served as the Admin
> >Officer up to 1999. I was then appointed as ADC to His Excellency up to up
> >to 18th June 2000 when I was called by the Commander State Guards Captain
> >Ousman Sonko to report to his office.
> >
> >Captain Sonko said it was an instruction from the president. I reported on
> >a
> >Sunday. Then on Tuesday 20th June 2000 a message came from GDF
> >HQ that I should report to HQ. This message was read to me in a formal
> >meeting with Ousman Sonko in the presence of Lt. Omar M Darboe, Solomon
> >Jammeh, RSM Sanyang and later by Lt Ousman Badjie. I met the chief of staff
> >Col Babucarr Jatta on Thursday 22nd June 2000. The chief of staff told me
> >to
> >work under the Gi branch sharing office with Captain Mbye. On the 23rd June
> >2000, while in my house with my family, I was arrested by soldiers of the
> >state guards on duties. Among them, I could recognise Sgt Babucarr Bojang,
> >Pte Alieu bojang, Cpl Famara Camara (Sikou) , Pte Lamin . I was taken to
> >the
> >National Investigation HQ (NIA) for interrogation.
> >
> >On the 26th day of June 2000, during the interrogation, I was informed by
> >the investigators Mr Baba Saho and Sukuta Jammeh, that I am a conspirator
> >with a colleague to divert (as my role) the convoy in order to eliminate
> >His
> >Excellency the president. I categorically denied being a conspirator with
> >Commissioner Alagie Kanteh to divert the convoy in order to assasinate HE
> >the President. I was also asked whether I attended any meeting with
> >Commissioner Kanteh and colleagues for a such an issue. I categorically
> >denied having a meeting with the mentioned persons in such a matter. I was
> >also asked to elaborate on my duties as an ADC.
> >
> >As an ADC, when I was appointed, it was explained to me by the former
> >commander of State guards Ex-Lt Landing Sanneh that I am not part of the
> >security set of the state guards. I was directly under the president and
> >answerable to the president. I was an aid (special helper) to the
> >president.
> >As an ADC, I am only there to receive instruction from the president. I
> >have
> >no men under my command. In short, I am only there to carry the president's
> >bag, files, hankerchief, spectacles and any
> >other instructions deemed necessary by the president. I don't attend any
> >security meeting; I don't attend any parade or briefing.
> >
> >I was told by the then commander that even if he needed me while I was in
> >office, I should take permission from the president. I denied the
> >accusation
> >that I was to divert the convoy. Because as an ADC, I have no role in the
> >convoy; no command whatsoever over the convoy. The convoy has a commander
> >who is in charge of everything, whether the convoy is at a halt or on the
> >move. I have no command to direct the convoy or to give instructions in the
> >convoy. As I mentioned, the convoy has a commander (convoy commander).
> >
> >He is in charge of everything in the convoy - speed limits, direction, the
> >number of men etc. Also, there is the PPO (Principal Protecting Officer)
> >who
> >is in charge of the security of the president and also commands the plain
> >clothes personnels of the convoy. These are the two main commanders of the
> >convoy who have the right to command men in the convoy. I, as an ADC,
> >cannot
> >command any soldier in the state guards neither in the convoy. If I give
> >command nobody will act because everybody knows his role. I don't have the
> >right to command a soldier
> >without the permission of his commander.
> >
> >As an ADC I don't enter in any security vehicle. I am always in the
> >reserved
> >vehicle where I should vacate in case there is emergency. I am in the
> >reserve vehicle unless and until I am instructed by the president to join
> >his vehicle. In such a case, I don't share his car with him alone.
> >Sometimes
> >with the PPO or any other plain clothes personnel. Even in his vehicle, I
> >don't command the convoy, nor do I give command. Also among my roles I
> >always make sure that the president's office is properly arranged or in
> >good
> >working condition for appointments.
> >
> >I also make sure that the office is locked and that the arranging,
> >cleaning,
> >locking as well as securing is not done by myself. It is always done by
> >those responsible. As for the security of the office, it is the duty of the
> >PPO and his team at the office and his men. Anytime I go to HE the
> >president
> >office when there is appointment, I always go with the PPO (Principal
> >Protecting Officer)
> >
> >On the 26th day of June, I was also asked whether I know one Francisco Caso
> >before. I made it clearly to the investigators that I met Francisco Caso at
> >the office over two and a half month ago. He came to the office with Mr
> >Abdoulie Kujabi (Deputy Director General of NIA), Capt Ousman Sonko
> >(Commander State Guards). Abdoulie Kujabi told me that himself and
> >Francisco
> >Caso are to meet the president. After confirmation, they went in the
> >office.
> >
> >It was after the meeting that I asked Captain Ousman Sonko who the man is.
> >Captain Sonko told me that he is an Italian who is going to conduct a
> >training for State Guards men. Lt Musa Jammeh and Bakary Camara were
> >present. The second time was in Kanilai. Also, he, Francisco, came with
> >Abdoulie Kujabi to the president. They went into the house. Francisco came
> >out to smoke under the verandah and I told him not to smoke because the
> >president does not like it. That was the first time I talked to him.
> >
> >The third time was also in Kanilai when I was called by Lt Musa Jammeh to
> >introduce me to Francisco. He introduced him to me, Lt. Son Njie,  Ousman,
> >Bakary Camara. Also Ebrima Kinteh of the NIA including us, was there. Then
> >Lt Musa Jammeh, after the introduction, said Francisco will be joining us
> >in
> >the convoy from today and that he will also be conducting training for the
> >State Guards. He, Francisco, started telling Lt Jammeh and Njie how he
> >wants
> >his convoy to be moving (formation) He was then told to join the convoy
> >commander.
> >
> >From that day, he used to join us in the convoy. Later, he conducted one
> >month long course/training with the soldiers in the bush. The course was on
> >VIP protection and anti-terrorism. On the same day, I was also asked
> >whether
> >I know one Mr Ebrima Barrow of Baddibou Salikene, North Bank Division
> >presently living in New Jeshwang and I answered in the negative. I don't
> >know any Ebrima Barrow and that was the first time of hearing his name. I
> >also asked for him for identification the following day, the 27th of June.
> >Mr Ebrima Barrow was brought to me for identification. Mr Barrow could not
> >identify me when he was told that I am Lt Lalo Jaiteh.
> >
> >
> >_________________________________________________________________________
> >Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.
> >
> >----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
> >Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
> >You may also send subscription requests to
> >[log in to unmask]
> >if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your
> >full name and e-mail address.
> >----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
> Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
> You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask]
> if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
__________________________________________________________________
Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Webmail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask]
if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------