By: Ismaila Sonko
The High Court in Banjul presided over by Justice Aminata Saho-Ceesay has granted bail to Yankuba Touray and Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay in the sum of One Million Dalasis each on 16th April, 2019.
Touray, a member of APRC Junta and Jahumpa were earlier charged for interfering with TRRC witness in Kanifing Magistrate Court which they both denied. The case was withdrawn from Kanifing and later transferred to High Court in Banjul.
When the case was called on Tuesday the charges stated that the two accused persons were arraigned before the high court on counts of conspiracy to commit felony contrary to section 368 of the Criminal Code and interference with potential TRRC witness or informant contrary to section 36A of TRRC Act.
They both pleaded not guilty to all counts as alleged. The charges are the same charges as those that were preferred on the defendants at the lower court where they were discharged by the Magistrate. After the court discharged them, the police rearrested them and the exact charges were reinstated but this time before the High Court.
The defence lawyers Lamin S. Camara and Abdoulie Sisoho both made an application for bail for their clients. They relied on section 24 of the Constitution and section 99 of the Criminal Procedure Code, adding that the accused persons are not likely to jump bail. The senior lawyers argued that the charges are bail-able and beseeched the court to exercise its discretion and grant the defendants bail.
Sisoho told the court that Honourable Touray is a farmer and travels throughout the country. He urged the court to make an order that Touray can move throughout the country without any interference or resistance from any person or authority.
Abdouraman Maitama, State Counsel, told the court that he has no objection to the bail application, and urged the court to exercise its discretion in granting of bail.
He added the court should make sure that it attaches conditions that are just and would guarantee the appearance of the defendants.
In her ruling, Justice Aminata Saho-Ceesay ordered that the accused persons should be bail in the sum of one million dalasis or landed property worth of that sum, deposit of original title deed of that landed property, two Gambian sureties who shall both deposit original of their national identity card or passport.
She further made a declaration that Yankuba Touray and Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay are allowed to move freely within the jurisdiction of the court.
Case continues on 8th and 9th May from 12 noon to 1 pm.
