By Mama A. Touray
Justice I Janneh of the High Court annex at the Kanifing yesterday adjourned an alleged murder trial involving Ali Sowe, Verfeng Correa, and Simon Sambou after the state prosecutor applied for an adjournment.
State counsel AA Marong in his submission pleaded with the court for an adjournment to enable them to put their house in order since they have yet to receive a case file from the police prosecution unit. Prosecutor Marong contended that the adjournment and the subsequent receipt of the case will enable them to advise themselves as to what decision to be taken.
“As per circumstances we are constrained, we won’t be able to proceed with the case and we, therefore, seek an adjournment to receive a complete case file from the office of the Inspector General of Police so that we can advise ourselves as to what step is necessary to be taken” he appealed.
Counsel for the accused person, Barrister Baboucarr Bouye raised the fundamental rights of his client for a fair and speedy trial, arguing that the prosecution could have filed a charge sheet while drawing the court’s attention to the accused person’s freedom and liberty.
Council Bouye argued that the state was aware of the case since last week, and it would be unjustifiable for the state to come and seek an adjournment.
“As it stands there is no case against the accused persons and they are languishing at mile II the state should try and do everything before the next adjourned date or else we will apply for bail because they have nothing against the accused persons,” Lawyer Bouye contended.
Justice Isatou Janneh at that point adjourned the matter to 22nd February and urged the state to file a bill of indictment before the next adjourned date.
According to particulars of offense, Ali Sowe, verfeng Correa and Simon Sambou on or about the 12th of December 2022, at Kotu in Kanifing municipality, with malice aforethought jointly assaulted Musa Badjie causing his death.