Trio on trail for gun charms Others on the run

3 Gambians, Abdoulie Corr, Alasan Mbow and Babucarr Njie, were last Friday arraigned before Principal Magistrate Edrisa M’bai of the Banjul Magistrates Court, charged with 3 counts of criminal offences relating to conspiracy, attempting to acquire criminal charms and offering millions of dalasis for gun protection charms, all contrary to Section 365 of the Criminal Code Cap 10 Volume 3.

According to Count One, the accused persons together with their accomplices (now on the run), between the months of June and August 2008, in the city of Banjul and diverse places in The Gambia, attempted to acquire criminal charms for many factors, thereby committing an offence.

According to Count Two, the trio and their accomplices, between the months of June and August 2008, in the city of Banjul and diverse places in The Gambia offered to pay millions of dalasis for gun protection charms.

On Count 3, they are accused of conspiracy to acquire criminal charms.

All three pleaded not guilty.

An intelligence report read in the court revealed that the 1st accused person, Abdoulie Corr, some time in August this year, asked one Alasana Jallow, a Marabout from Sierra Leone, to make bullet proof charms for ten able-bodied men. The report added that he sent money to him (Alasana Jallow) to buy an air ticket to The Gambia.

The  intelligence  report further  revealed that the said Marabout arrived in The Gambia on the 5th of September, 2008, and was received at the Banjul International Airport by one Lamin Singhateh on behalf of the 1st accused person, who was said to have travelled to Dakar, Senegal, at the time. The report added that the marabout was later taken to the Bakadagi Hotel in Kololi, where he was lodged.

According to the report, the development was a worrisome for security operatives. Thus, the activities of the accused persons both within and outside the hotel were monitored.

At that juncture, Emmanuel Fagbenle, the director of Public Prosecution (DPP) applied for an adjournment to call in witnesses. His application was granted and the case was subsequently adjourned to Monday, October 20.