Ex- Gambian Diplomat’s Trial Delayed

The trial of Willy Joof, former Gambian Ambassador to France has yet registered another delay at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.

The case could not proceed yesterday as the presiding magistrate, His Worship Kayode has proceeded on his leave and as a result the case was adjourned without a date being set.

Mr Joof is standing trial on eight count charges of criminal offences, which he has denied.

Under Count One, he is charged with official corruption and the alleged offence states that Willy on 15th July 2002 while employed in the public service of The Gambia as Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to France, corruptly received the sum of Euro 15,000 from one Gerrard Nuss, in order to appoint him into the Consular Service of The Gambia and thereby committed an offence.

On count two, the particulars of the offence indicate that,  the accused Willy Joof on diverse dates between March and August 2002 while employed in the Public Service of The Gambia as ambassador of The Republic of The Gambia to France with intent to defraud, obtained the total sum of 16, 000.00 French Francs equivalent to 24, 391 Euros from one Gerrard Nuss on the pretext that the payment is required for his appointment into the Consular Services of The Gambia and thereby committed an offence.

While on Count Three, the alleged offence indicates that, the accused Willy Joof, on diverse dates between 2004 and 2005, while employed in the Public Service of The Gambia as Ambassador of The Republic of The Gambia to France , converted to his personal use, the sum of Euro 15,000 paid into the account of Delegation of the Republic of The Gambia to UNESCO and thereby committed an offence.

Other offences include conspiracy to commit a felony and abuse of office.