By: Bakary Ceesay
The criminal trial involving Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, former speaker of the National Assembly failed to proceed, on the ground that the police want to charge her with Yankuba Touray at the Kanifing Magistrate Court yesterday.
Jahumpa Ceesay is standing trial for allegedly tampering with a witness of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission.
When the case was called Almameh James Manga, police prosecutor informed the court The investigation is ongoing and chances are that the accused will be jointly charged together with Mr Yankuba Touray whose case is in the sister court.
Manga, told the court that it is logical for the court to adjourned the case so that the prosecution team could advise itself.
“So that this case can be consolidated and the two be prosecuted together,” he said
Lamin Camara, defense counsel did not object to the adjournment of the application, adding that their expectation the first witness will be called testify in the matter.
“We indulge the state one more time by the next adjourned date, we will implore the discretion of this court to strike out the case and discharge the accused person. My client is an international consultant. She makes a living from that profession and it will be unfair to tie her down for a long time in a stalled case.”
The trial Magistrate PM Sarr urged the state to put its house in order so that the case can proceed in the next adjournment date.
Case continues on 22nd March, 2019.