Seven Suspects were yesterday arraigned at the Banjul High Court before the Special Court presided over by Justice Moses Richard.
The seven suspects were: Joseph Okeke, alias Charles or Doctor, Nanso Mbasoh, Onuwa Ibaim, Nonso Odowa, Arinze Izuchukwu, Pius Patrick, and Awa Touray.
They were earlier on charged before the Bundung Magistrates’ Court with conspiracy, kidnapping, obtaining money by false pretence and stealing amongst others. The case had since been transferred to the
Special Courtat the Banjul High Court.They were alleged to have held the 71-year old Australian National Justin Liebig captive, from the 1st to the 9th of February 2009.
At yesterday hearing of the case the State Counsel Marley Wood applied for an adjournment on the ground that they are in the process of filing bill of indictment, summery of evidence and disclosure of materials.
Defence Counsel Antuman Gaye and Badou Conteh who represents the 7th Accused Awa Touray objected to the State Counsel application for an adjournment. According to Lawyer Antuman Gaye the case started at the Bundung Magistrates’ Court where two prosecution witnesses had already testified on the case. He said the Attorney General Chamber had knowledge of the case and therefore the defence was prepared to proceed with the case.
Justice Moses Richard for his part told the court that looking at the mandate of the
Special Courtseries of adjournment would not be entertained.The case was at length adjourned until 23rd March 2009.