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toubab1020
12313 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Apr 2010 : 16:48:24
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One of my favorite Gambians Judge Moses Richards appears in this article from the Point,and has laid the matter to rest with his usual common sense approach,a great man in Gambia,have a read,
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/court-urged-to-discharge-judicial-officials
THIS LINK TO THE DAILY NEWS (Same Subject)
http://www.dailynews.gm/index.php?id=dn_home&tx_wecdiscussion[single]=128319
Judiciary Financial Scam Case Faces another Indefinite Suspensio
By Saikou Jammeh
Justice Richards has Friday indefinitely suspended the trial of five senior judicial officials, including three high court judges accused of stealing.
This decision came after the Director of Public Prosecution, Richard Chenge pleaded for the court to temporarily put-off the case because he was engaged. He was however, not clear on what.
This is the second time that this case is being adjourned indefinitely, the first due to lack of witnesses.
Defense Lawyers for the accused persons had earlier argued that they wanted to apply for discharge of their clients after much delay.
Lawyer Antouman Gaye said the DPP has many able assistants, urging him to consider handing over the case to another prosecutor, given that he is busy on another matter.
He argued that both cases can go in tandem, without delaying his clients, which is equally a criminal matter, and like the other, has to be held within a reasonable time.
Gaye and other defense lawyers, namely Lamin Camara and Suso, agreed on freeing their clients, but the State lawyer said he has enough evidence against them.
Chenge said the personalities involved are highly regarded, so he would need time to continue with the case carefully.
The former judicial officers are Haruna Jaiteh, ex-judicial secretary, Saffiatou Njie, ex-judge, Amina Saho-Ceesay, former master and Sherrif of the High Court and Ngui Mboob-Janneh, a former judge and one Alhaji LS Sonko.
They are facing 13 count charges of stealing and economic crimes.
THIS IS THE POINT REPORT.
Court urged to discharge judicial officials
Monday, April 19, 2010
Antouman Gaye, the counsel for the two judges: Saffiatou Njie and Amina Saho Ceesay, has urged the court to either discharge the accused persons or have the charges against them withdrawn by the state.
Counsel Gaye made this supplication last Friday at the Special Criminal Court in Banjul after DPP Chenge informed the court that the state counsel, who was supposed to handle the case is busy with him on another assignment.
Counsel Gaye told the court that he was puzzled by the DPP's application that they are handling a matter and want to finish it before coming to the judges' case.
He argued that every accused person is entitled to know his fate, as required by the law.
"We are dealing with the state, and the DPP has so many assistants who are competent to deputise for him," counsel Gaye posited.
"May be the DPP is not in the position to tell when he can come back, but the better alternative is to discharge or withdraw the charges," he added.
The DPP replied that they know what is going on. "We have enough evidence, but there is something I am working on, and do not want to disclose it."
The trial judge, Justice Moses Richards, adjourned the matter sine-die (indefinitely) without further objection from the counsel.
It would be recalled that the three judges: Ngui Mboob-Janneh, Saffiatou Njie and Amina Saho Ceesay, and two other judicial officers: Haruna Jaiteh and Alhagie L.S. Sonko, are charged with 13 counts, ranging from neglect of office, forgery, stealing and economic crimes.
The former Judicial Secretary Haruna Jaiteh was represented by lawyer Lamin S. Camara, lawyer Ablie Sissoho represented Ngui Mboob-Janneh, whilst the High Court bailiff Alhagie L.S. Sonko, the first accused person, is yet to be represented.
During Friday's hearing, only three of the accused persons were in court namely, Alhagie L.S. Sonko, Haruna Jaiteh and Ngui Mboob-Janneh.
Author: Soury Camara
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 19 Apr 2010 23:10:17 |
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