‘NIA Two’, Still in Custody

Defence counsel Lamin Camara, representing the two NIA officers Demba Sowe and Abubacarr Jallow, yesterday told the Banjul Magistrates’ Court that his clients are still at Mile 2 despite meeting the bail conditions.

He said there is the need to press the prosecution to expedite the trial as the accused persons are still in custody at Mile 2 despite meeting the bail conditions so that they can know their fate at the end of the day.

Superintendent Tijan Badjie, the prosecuting officer, earlier on told the court that the prosecution still did not receive the case file from the Attorney General’s Chamber where it was sent for final legal opinion. He said as such it was impossible for the prosecution to proceed with the case and he accordingly applied for an adjournment.

According to the particulars of the alleged offence, the accused persons Demba Sowe and Abubacarr Jollow being public officers employed at the NIA between February and March 2008 in Banjul, Kololi, and diverse places, abused their authority by failing to disclose vital information and recover exhibits in the case of the State against Christopher Badjie to the relevant authorities, an arbitrary act prejudicial to the State and thereby committed an offence.

The case was since adjourned until 12th November 2008.