By Kemo Kanyi
Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court has denied one Ebrima Kalilou Jawara bail for fear of him jumping bail.
Jawara appeared before the court on 7 May 2024, on suspicion of obtaining D2M from one Malick Jallow on the pretext that he owned four plots of land for sale.
Following Jawara’s denial of guilt on 7th May, the prosecution, led by ASP Buteh Sawaneh, made an application to the court to deny him bail. The prosecution argued that he may flee the jurisdiction if he was granted court bail. It also added that Jawara had a previous case of jumping bail.
The case was then adjourned to yesterday for a ruling on the bail application but when it resumed, Principal Magistrate Mendy was unconvinced that Jawara would not try to flee the jurisdiction.
Citing Section 99 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the magistrate said the alleged offense that Jawara was alleged to have committed is bailable.
“However, bail is at the discretion of the court, which shall be judiciously done. If the accused is given bail, he may jump bail as the records have already indicated that the accused person has jumped his bail at the police and he was subsequently arrested in the Lower River Region. If he is given the opportunity by this court, he may flee the jurisdiction, looking at the substantial amount involved,” she stated.
She added that Jawara is likely to commit similar offenses when released on bail as, according to her, the accused has been involved in two similar cases as she saw on Wednesday morning.
“In light of the above, the accused shall remain in the Mile II central prison, pending the final determination of this matter. This is my ruling and both parties are reminded of their rights to appeal,” she ruled.
The case was then adjourned to 4th May for full trial.