By Mama A. Touray & Abdulkarim Jaiteh
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh finally delivered his verdict in the KORO Ceesay murder trial sentencing former junta member and one-time minister, Yankuba Touray to death by hanging after being overwhelming convinced by the evidence presented by prosecution witnesses.
Yankuba Touray, who once served as the AFPRC,’S minister for Local Government and lands was tried on a single charge of murder for almost two years for his alleged participation in the killing of his late cabinet colleague and former finance minister of the military Junta, Ousman ‘Koro’ Ceesay who mysteriously died in June 1995.
Investigators and several witnesses who had earlier testified both at the Truth Commission and court alleged that Mr Touray in June 1995 at his residence in Kololi used a pestle to batter the late ‘Koro’ Ceesay to death.
Witnesses at the trial some of who testified at the truth commission adversely mentioned Several junta members including Edward Singhatey, Peter Singhatey, Tumbul Tamba, PK Jatta and Pa Alieu Gomez but only Mr. Touray alone is being tried for the murder following his refusal to testify before the TRRC in 2019 to explain the mysterious death of Ousman ‘Koro’ Ceesay.
During the marathon two-year legal battle, the state represented by the acting director of public prosecutions, AM Yusuf presented nine witnesses before closing his case and the defence called three witnesses including the accused, Yankuba Touray.
Witnesses who testified during the trial included Touray’s own security orderlies, Ensa Mendy, Amadou Jangum, Lamin Ndure and the confessed serial killer, Alagie Kanyi.
The case also went to the constitutional court for determination of Touray’s constitutional immunity claim which has always been Mr Touray’s contention since his first appearance in court.
Touray was able to secure a ruling in his favour but the Constitutional Court led by the Chief Justice later dismissed the case and ordered the continuation of hearings without giving details of their decision.
The judgement was highly attended by a cross section of society including Tourays friends and family members.
The trial Judge extensively analysed the evidence and arguments presented by both parties before delivering his final verdict in a fully-packed courtroom.
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh said prosecution has established the essential elements of the murder as charged noting that, the confessed serial killer who was the states principal witness, Alagie Kanyi is an accomplice and competent witness whose evidence cannot be refuted. The trial judge added that evidence from other state witnesses also supported Mr Kanyis testimony.
The judge further observed that it is irrefutable that the deceased, Koro Ceesay has died and the burnt body that was found in a vehicle was the body of the deceased.
According to Justice Jaiteh Mr Kanyis demeanor during his testimony represented a sign of regret. The high court Judge ruled that prosecution had establish its case beyond reasonable doubt noting that witness testimonies truly depicted the true picture of ‘Koro’ Ceesay’s murder. Justice Jaiteh finally sentenced Mr Touray to death by hanging.
Touray’s defence will most likely appeal against the decision at the Court of Appeal but until then Touray will remain in jail at Mile two where he has been detained for almost two years pending the determination of his appeal.
