By Nicholas Bass
Police Sub-Inspector Fabakary Jawara and Corporal EbrimaSannoh on June 22 2023 emphatically denied treason charges against the government of Adama Barrow.
Sub-Inspector Fabakary Jawara and Corporal Ebrima Sannohbefore Justice Basiru VP Mahoney of Banjul High Court during their defense both denied the participation of treason and concealment of treason against the Republic of The Gambia.
Sub-Inspector Fabakary is standing trial for 2 counts of treason charges with 1 count of concealment of treason against the State. Corporal Ebrima Sannoh separately standing trial on 2 counts of treason charges with 2 counts of concealment of treason against the Adama Barrow government.
Fabakary Jawara and Ebrima Sannoh, all denied taking part in an alleged meeting of the coup plot of December 2022, noting that they were never informed of the coup plot nor did they plot to overthrow the government of Adama Barrow.
However, the State Counsel Lamin Jarjue alleged that the 3rd accused Ebrima Sannoh took part in an alleged meeting of the coup plot where he was the scribe as it was affirmed by PW4 and PW7, Mustapha Jabbi and Sergeant Karamo Jatta, at the court.
But Corporal Sannoh strongly denied being a part of the alleged coup plot, noting that he was at his compound in BrikamaNyambai.
State Counsel L. Jarjue continued to allege that Corporal EbrimaSannoh mobilized junior military officers while on study leave at the University of The Gambia to topple the sitting government.
Counsel L. Jarjue went on to draw the mind of the 3rd accused, Ebrima Sannoh on the gravity of treason which was understood by Ebrima Sannoh to be a ‘coup d’etat’ according to the Act of Gambia Armed Forces.
Defence counsel L. S. Camara and counsel Junkung Jobarteh for the 3rd accused Ebrima Sannoh were on their feet at different times pleading to the court to dismiss such a question Counsel L. S. Camara noted that it was an incriminating question and his plea was granted.
State Counsel L. Jarjue further alleged that Corporal Sannoh has the capacity to mobilize his junior military officers for the alleged coup, noting that his silence at the investigation panel was questionable, looking at the gravity of the charges he is facing against the State.
Meanwhile, police Inspector Fabakary Jawaara affirmed his frequent communication with his cousin, Sanna Fadera But denied being informed by Sanna Fadera of the pending coup plot against the State.
Fabakary Jawara also denied visiting a marabout called YahyaManjang at Busura Village for spiritual support, stating that he did not request D10,000 from Mustapha Jabbi in supporting his cousin, Sanna Fadera to protect himself with charms or jujus for a successful coup plot against the State.
