By: Nicholas Bass
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh addressed the state principal lawyer Lamin Jarju to uphold professional ethics following his absence on Monday as a prosecuting officer in a drug related case involving one Bissau Guinean, Paulo Djabi.
Despite the presence of the Registrar of the High Court and the Chief Executive Officer of Kanifing General Hospital who were present in court and ready to testify against Paulo Djabi who was accused of forging a purported medical document that was said to have emanated from Kanifing General Hospital .
Justice Jaiteh said the situation became even more problematic when two subpoenaed witnesses, Registrar of High Court and the Chief Executive Officer of Kanifing General Hospital were present in court ready to testify.
In his firm ruling, Justice Jaiteh said it was evident ‘it has become increasingly evident to the court that lawyer Jarju cannot attend hearings, significant delays ensure, negatively impacting the prosecution’s ability to deliver timely justice’’.
However, state lawyer M Sarr appeared on behalf of lawyer Jarju and informed the court that he intended to seek an adjournment after being handed the case file of Djabi in the early hours of Monday 17 March 2025.
‘’While we understand that circumstances can change rapidly, it is essential to recognize that professional ethics demand preparedness from counsel appearing in court ‘’, Justice Jaiteh said.
Justice Jaiteh continued that ‘’counsel must be ready to proceed with their cases in order to uphold the integrity of the legal process.”
He stated that effective case management is crucial in ensuring that justice is served in a timely manner, adding that the absence of the principal state lawyer is unacceptable and thus it has resulted in another stagnation of the case.
Justice Jaiteh emphasized that the court cannot condone a situation wherein the prosecution’s inability to move forward leads to ‘’chronic delays’’, noted that such practices do not inspire confidence among the public, and can ‘’seriously erode trust in the judicial system.’’
