Babylon case suffers another setback

The Babylon criminal case involving over 50 people from Makumbaya has suffered yet another setback because the charge set does not contain the name of the proprietor of the property in dispute.

The defense counsel, Antouman Gaye, had objected to the new charge sheet noting that count one, which is arson, did not indicate who owns the properties that were allegedly burnt down by the accused persons. He cited several cases to back up his argument.

At that juncture, the presiding magistrate, Pa Harry Jammeh of  the Brikama Magistrate Court, said he agreed with the defense counsel.
He said that the court would adjourn the case to allow the prosecution to regularize the charge sheet.

Magistrate Jammeh also gave a stern warning to the accused persons and the complainant, Lamin Jarjue. He said both sides should desist from creating trouble.  It could be recalled that in March this year, Babylon was attacked by a group of people from Makumbaya and some surrounding villages. The attackers had claimed ownership of the said land in Babylon.

Subsequently, over a 100 people were arrested and detained at the State Central Prison before being granted bail.