By Nicholas Bass
The alleged ringleader of the coup plot, Lance Corporal SannaFadera, and Co. is awaiting their judgment tomorrow (Tuesday) in an alleged treason trial against the democratically elected government of President Adama Barrow.
It could be recalled that Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera, Petty Officer Gibril Darboe, Corporal Ebrima Sannoh and Sergeant Gibril Darboe, and Lamin Jadama now at large sometime between October and December last year (2022) within Banjul and diverse places of the Republic of the Gambia, prepared or endeavored to overthrow the democratically elected government of president Adama Barrow by unlawfully means.
In presenting facts and evidence in the alleged treason charge pressed against Fadera and Co, the State lawyers presented seven witnesses who gave their testimonies in an open court with one military officer whose testimony was sealed from the public in court chambers.
However, Corporal Omar Njie on 14 June 2023 was discharged and acquitted by the court following defense lawyer B Badjie’sapplication of no-case to answer. But Justice Mahoney disclosed that Sergeant Gibril Darboe and Corporal Ebrima Sannoh all have cases to answer as witnesses gave evidence of them attending a meeting in Kafuta Village allegedly discussing how to overthrow the government.
According to the bill of indictment filed before the court Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera is being tried on charges of conspiracy, treason, and mutiny. Petty Officer Gibril Darboe and Corporal Ebrima Sannoh are being tried on charges of conspiracy, treason, and concealment of treason.
Sub-inspector Fabakary Jawara is being tried on charges of conspiracy, treason, and concealment of treason while Corporal Omar Njie is standing on charges of concealment of treason.