By Nicholas Bass
Petty Officer Girbil Darboe standing in the defence box at the Banjul High Court presided over by Justice VP Mahoney, as the State Counsel, Lamin Jarjue questioned his professionalism as a member of the GAF after he disavowed knowing the military takeover of the former president Yahya Jammeh.
Gibril Darboe’s statement aided the State Counsel Lamin Jarjue to allege that some soldiers in the GAF had caused a bridge of contract against the State.
Questioning Petty Officer Gibril Darboe’s professionalism at the ongoing treason trial, PO Darboe replied to the State Counsel that he is a professional soldier in his job and responsibility.
However, Petty Officer Gibril Darboe in his defense with the State Counsel Lamin Jarjue strongly disavowed knowing the military takeover of the former president, Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh saying, ”I was not told about the military takeover of the former president”.
Petty Officer Gibril Darboe confirmed before the court that he joined the GAF to safeguard the territorial integrity of the nation (the Gambia) and to be loyal to the president of the country.
Mr. Darboe testified that he often communicated with the 1st accused, Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera but he was uncertain of the kind of communications he (P/O G. Darboe) made with his junior, Sanna Fadera.
Gibril Darboe also denied having any meeting with anyone as alleged by the State witnesses when challenged by State Counsel L. Jarjue.
However, as part of his defense, he denied having any personal relationship with Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera after working hours, he also said he did not hold any meeting regarding the alleged coup plot in his compound at Kafuta Village.
P/O Gibril Darboe as well denied interacting with the 3rd and the 5th accused, Corporal Ebrima Sannoh and Sub-Inspector Fabakary Jawara prior to his detention at Mile 2 Central Prison, but said that he began to interact with them at Mile 2 Central Prison.
Palso denied exchanging telephone contacts with the 3rd and 5th accused, Corporal Ebrima Sannoh and Sub-Inspector Fabakary Jawara, and said he never set his eyes on the alleged coup plotters who were alleged of dethroning the government of Adama Barrow.
Counsel L.S. Camara applied for an adjournment to enable him to meet his clients and pleaded to the court to grant his plea, saying that his clients had been waiting for a very long time. Justice Basiru VP. Mahoney granted his plea and adjourned the matter for today (Wednesday) at 1:30 pm for the continuation of the accused defense