In Daranka arms and ammunition case Defence Counsel ends submission

Lawyer A Sissoho, defence counsel in the ongoing Lamin Daranka arms and ammunition case involving one Alhagie Kebba Gassama of Daranka Village in Lamin, Kombo North, on Monday, completed his submission before Senior Magistrate EF M’Bai of the Brikama Magistrates Court.

In his submission, Lawyer Sissoho told the Court that his client, Alhagie Kebba Gassama, was standing trial, on charges of threatening violence under Section 84 of the Criminal Code, laws of The Gambia. He reminded the court that the prosecution had called on four witnesses in the case, most of whom were police officers.

He further submitted that no credible evidence had been adduced before the court by any of the witnesses that testified. Defence Counsel Sissoho added that the charges preferred against the accused was felony, instead of threatening violence. He asserted that the statement adduced on the accused person by Lamin Manjang (PW1) in his testimony, were baseless and it lacked substance before the eyes of the court. "Therefore the prosecution has failed to prove their case beyond all reasonable doubts" he said, and urged the court to acquit and discharge his client accordingly.

In response to Counsel Sissoho’s submission, Police prosecutor, Sub-Inspector Saine, retorted that the testimony of the four prosecution witnesses were substantial and corroborative and has merit to the charge. He maintained that the charge preferred against the accused was correct. Subsequently, Magistrate M’Bai adjourned the case to May 6 for continuation.

Alhagie Kebba Gassama, the accused person is standing trial of threatening violence and in possession of arms and ammunition contrary to the laws of The Gambia and had since pleaded not guilty to the charges.